Our Ministries — The Historic Bethel Baptist

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Deacon Board

Stephen Anthony Thompson Sr. is married to Dorothea Alean (Harrison) Thompson. God has blessed their union with three (3) wonderful children- Stephen, Shavardo & Shauntae. Another blessing is their daughter-in-law, Rudia. He proclaims that he is privileged to serve as a Deacon in historic Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Timothy Stewart. He also oversees the Saturday morning Prayer Meeting and serves as an alternate Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Finance Committee along with other ministries. A water-baptized child of the Most-High God, he loves the Lord with all his heart. He has a burning desire to have saints strengthen their prayer lives, since prayer is the key to a solid relationship with God.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Deacon Thompson says he is grateful to Almighty God for the day when he, through the power of the Holy Spirit, accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Through the finished work of Jesus on Calvary, he is assured of forgiveness of sins and, by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, he has a blessed hope of eternal life. It is also a delight of his to have the Holy Spirit abiding in him while on this Christian journey.

He thanks Almighty God that, in addition to eternal security, He has chosen him to be in His service. Far beyond ‘titles’, Deacon Thompson deems it a joy to work in the vineyard of his Lord – he calls it a privilege, not an entitlement. To borrow the words of the psalmist as he posed the question, “what can I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me”? (Psalm 116:12). He knows he cannot repay God for His great gift of salvation. Therefore, his plea to Almighty God mirrors that of the songwriter who wrote- “Jesus use me, and O Lord, don’t refuse me; for surely there’s a work that I can do; and even though it’s humble, Lord, help my will to crumble; though the cost be great, I’ll work for You”.

Deacon Thompson acknowledges that his aim is to work as unto the Lord, not unto man. He affirms that, with the help of Almighty God, he intends to serve the Lord until He returns or call him from labour unto reward.

Deaconess Board

Not pictured: Allison Miller, Thellanise (Lynn) Charlot.

The Deaconesses Board shall consist of 7 or more women, who shall assist the Pastor in developing the spiritual life of women and girls of the church for best possible Christian service. It shall cooperate with the Pastor and the Board of Deacons in visiting the members, in caring for the sick, needy, and distressed members of the church, and in preparation of the ordinances of the Church.

Deaconesses are all ordained as such to the Christian ministry.

Deaconesses:

Deaconess Susan Russell
Deaconess Maud Sturrup
Deaconess Daphne Lockhart
Deaconess Mizpah Smith
Deaconess Opal Bastian
Deaconess Natasha Seymour
Deaconess Bettymae Bostwick
Deaconess Keisha Russell
Deaconess Catherine Dean
Deaconess Allison Miller
Deaconess Natasha Dean
Deaconess Thellanise (Lynn) Charlot

Sanctuary Choir

In keeping with the rich tradition and heritage of musical excellence at Bethel Baptist Church, the Sanctuary Choir, for many years, has performed a repertoire of songs that is extensive and stylistically diverse, ranging from classical and traditional to lively spirituals and gospel anthems.

The choral programme at Bethel aspires to offer the love and glory of God through songs. The members of the choir enjoy, and are challenged by music written in a four to eight part harmony while singing magnificent anthems each Sunday. Special music is also rendered during the Christmas and Easter Seasons.

May your private worship experience be enhanced as your listen to our election of songs, and may your spirit be lifted as you reflect upon the matchless love of God.

Sanctuary Choir officers & accompanists:

Ishmael Lightbourne - Minister of Music
Nehemiah Francis - President
Dorothea Thompson - Secretary
Una Delancey - Assistant Secretary/Public Relations
Shannon Thompson - Treasurer
Daisy Russell - Assistant Treasurer
Maude Sturrup - Chaplin
Sarah Jolly - Assistant Chaplin
Jeno Jean-Smith - Organist
Kendrick Coleby - Pianist
Flo Carter-Gittens - Director

We Care Ministry

The WE CARE MINISTRY was installed as an auxiliary of the church on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the 7:45 am service, Bethel Baptist Church, Nassau, Bahamas.

The We Care Ministry is primarily a telephone follow-up ministry. It consists of:

a) Seekers - seeking and restoring delinquent or inactive members.
b) Greeters - welcoming new members into the church and mentoring them into the fellowship
c) Ministry of Helps- offering guidance, direction and/or assistance to “the one” in need
d) Referral ministry: directing persons with a spiritual, physical or other needs to the Pastor, relative Assoc. Minister, Auxiliary head, food or clothing ministry, Government agencies etc.

Foundational Theme: IN PURSUIT OF WHOLENESS – John 5:1-15.

Ministry Theme: “SEEKING, THE ONE.”

Scripture Reference:
Matt. 18:11-12.
11. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

Mission Statement
Under the auspices of the Holy Spirit, and by the power vested in us by our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart, we commit to being a guiding light as we Seek “the One” that is lost, Rescue “the One” that has abandoned the trail, and Restore “the One” that has fallen by the wayside.
We also commit to Welcome, Greet and Nurture “the One” added to the church; and to provide: Guidance, Direction and/or Assistance to “the One” in need of help.
We do so willingly, joyfully and in the spirit of God’s love.

Officers:

Deaconess Opal Bastian - President
Sister Sharon Stewart - Vice President
Sister Dorathea Demeritte - Secretary
Sister Sharon Laing - Assistant Secretary
Sister Daisy Russell - Treasurer
Sister Shannon Thompson - Assistant Treasurer
Deaconess Daphne Lockhart - Chaplain
Deaconess Betty Bostwick - Assistant Chaplain
Sister Una Delancey - Coordinator, Social Events

Senior Saints Ministry

Bethel’s Senior Saints was formed in March 2001 following the vision of Pastor Timothy Stewart and held its first meeting on April 3rd, 2001, under President Joseph Blyden. He served from April 3, 2001 until his demise on March 6th 2006. The founding officers and members were Brothers Joseph Blyden, Reginald Sands, Reginald Austin, Allan Robinson and Sisters Gwendolyn Hanna, Nathalie Hutcheson and Doris Gomez.

Serving Presidents:

The Senior Saints have come a long way since 2001 and have had the pleasure of many senior persons from various denominations attending every Tuesday at 10 am.

Bethel’s Senior Saints’ motto is “United to Stand,” and the theme song is If I Can Help Somebody, Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain.”

The closing song, “Bind Us Together,” renews the Joy and Fellowship experience each Tuesday by the membership.

Senior Saints Current Officers:

Howard Miller - President
Deacon Sidney Sturrup - Vice President
Sister Bertha Bain - Secretary
Sister Emerald Lightbourne - Treasurer
Deaconess Susanne Russell - Assistant Chaplain
Sister Bernice Bullard - Chaplain
Sister Abigail Bethell - Seargant-at-Arms
Sister Mary Knowles - Administrative Assistant

Kingdom Kids

Kingdom Kids is a branch of the Bethel Baptist Children’s Ministry geared towards children ages 3-12. In Kingdom Kids we PLUG into God’s Word, helping our children to know Jesus personally, to GROW in Him and to SHARE Jesus throughout their community. This is done in a fun, energetic and relevant environment. We gather on Friday evenings 6pm-8pm

Praise Team

Purpose:

The Bethel Baptist Church Praise Team/Musicians have been chosen, set apart and empowered by God to minister unto Him, and bless His name – producing quality music to lead and to guide people into an experience with God through worship. As we worship from our hearts, we rely solely on God to heal, restore, change, and deliver His people, by the anointing we receive by the Holy Spirit that destroys the yoke of bondage upon the saints and sinners. Our ultimate desire is to develop, learn and worship as the Lord anoints and uses us. The will of the Father is our constant motivation. We are a part of God’s kingdom and commit ourselves whole heartedly to His workmanship. In all we do, God will be honoured and glorified.

Goal/Objectives:

Bethel Baptist Church Band

The Bethel Baptist Church Band was started in 2004 under the direction of Ronald Campbell assisted by James Hutcheson Sr. The band had an enrollment of about 30 persons. It was formed to provide music for church functions and to be a part of the community outreach program of the church. Initially it was a marching band with parade drums and at one time it was amalgamated with the Church of God Band where Ronald Campbell was the Band Director. This partnership lasted until 2006. Due to a lack of interest there was a fall off in attendance. Campbell left and there was a restructuring. For reasons unknown the young members didn’t see a need to be a part of the band and to compound the situation church members were not supporting by sending their children.

A decision was made and the small group that remained formed into a concert band. The vision for this group of bandsmen is to provide quality Christian music and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. The strength of the band presently is 20.

Brother James Hutcheson Sr.’s biography:

I am James Stephen Hutcheson Sr., born in the year 1961. I am a member of Bethel Baptist church located in the city of Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. I am the husband of Robin Marie Hutcheson (Nee Scott) formally of Key West Florida USA. Together we have four children: Shambula Kareen Hutcheson Pinder, Uriza Jane Hutcheson, James Stephen Hutcheson Jr, Jjuan Mervon Scott Hutcheson.

I am the son of the Late Reverend John Mervin Hutcheson (Associate Minister Bethel Baptist Church) and Evangelist Natalie Jane Hutcheson (Nee Russell). Organist (40 years). I have six (6) brothers and four (4) sisters. Two siblings are deceased. I attended: Quarry Mission and William Sayle Primary Schools, T G Glover Junior High, The Government High School, C C Sweeting High School, College of The Bahamas.

I am an active member of the Prince Hall Masons Jurisdiction where I have served in all Bodies at the Symbolic as: Worshipful Master, Excellent High Priest, Thrice Illustrious Master, Eminent Commander, Most Wise and Perfect Master, Illustrious Commander In-Chief, Illustrious Potentate.

And Grand Level as: Rite Eminent Grand Commander, Most Grand Thrice Illustrious Master, Most Excellent Grand High Priest (Present), President Commander of The Rite (Present), President Past Master’s Council (Present).

I am a Retired Member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force where I served for thirty five (35) years attaining the rank of Crown Sargent. Music being an integral part of my life, I have been a member of: Youth Soul Orchestra (Founding member), Church of God Band, Prince Hall Masonic Band (Band Chairman), Bethel Baptist Church Band (Director). I have been fortunate in traveling the Bahamas training and developing bands from Grand Bahama to Cat Island.

Presently I am the Director of the Bethel Baptist Church Band where we have seen steady improvement over the years. My vision for the band is to develop it into standard unit where the best and highest quality of music is heard in the Sunday church services along with the community outreach in the immediate vicinity of the church.

Bethel's Soup Kitchen

Bethel’s Soup Kitchen served more than 25,000 meals in 2018 to the sick, shut-in and needy persons in the community and/or church (breakfast) Mondays – Fridays and lunch for kids to take to school (Mondays – Wednesdays), and lunch for Seniors every Tuesday. The Church also holds an Annual Thanksgiving Lunch where approximately 700 persons from the Community are fed.

Clothing Ministry

The Clothing Ministry distributes clothing once per week (Tuesdays) to persons in need.

School Outreach Ministry

Bethel Baptist Church offers its School Outreach Ministry to the schools where two full time persons ministered to the needs of the youth & children in the schools.

After-school Program

The After-school Program targets young people and assists those who may need help academically (Math & English).

Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program targets those at risk children and families and provide counseling and some stability in their lives.

Evangelistic Program

In the Evangelistic Program, the whole church has gone into the community on Sunday mornings (as well as Good Friday) for home and street ministry. A successful Follow-up Program in the surrounding area of the church every 3rd Saturday in the month.

Youth & Children's Ministry

A vibrant Youth & Children’s Ministry (every Friday @ 6:30 pm) caters to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of young people in the church and the community at large.

Bethel's Liturgical Dance Ministry

Formation of Bethel’s Liturgical Dance Ministry (adult/ teens/children – Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm).

Hand Bell Ringers

Formation of the first Hand Bell Ringers Group in the Baptist Churches.

Music Ministry

Music Ministry where full-time musicians are employed.

Women's Fellowship

Women’s Fellowship caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of women and their children (1st Monday every month at 6:30 pm).

Men's Fellowship

Men’s Fellowship caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men (2nd & 4th Saturdays at 5:30 pm).

Marriage Ministry

Marriage Ministry caters to engaged and married couples (every 4th Tuesday in the month).

School suspension/Refocus Program

The School Suspension/Refocus Program caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of at risk children who are suspended from school and have behavioral problems.

Prison/Correctional Facilities Ministry

Prison/Correctional Facilities Ministry caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men, juveniles (girls/boys) while in incarcerated (every 4th Wednesday in the month).

Visitation Ministry

Visitation Ministry caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of our sick and shut-in members.

Young Adults Ministry

Young Adults Ministry caters to the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of young adults “millenials” between the ages of 18-35 (every 2nd & 4th Monday in the month).