Issue8 by COGIC UK Luton Assembly Newsletter

E SU 8 IS o: N

CO G I C - U K

LUTON N E W S L E T T E R website: www.cogic.co.uk

A S S E M B L Y

email: lnews@cogic.co.uk

Nov – Dec 2014

The COGIC U

K Website

Access To

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

Our Free Newsletter

Inside:

Greetings from Deacon Harrison Cover Story Luton Male Voice Choir Knowing You with Sister Victoria Izuogu Plus more Psalm 27:4 – One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

LNEWS Issue No: 8 A bi-monthly newsletter Copyright © 2014 All material within this publication may not be used in part or whole without permission. Enquiries should be directed to COGIC UK HQ Address 127 Dunstable Road Luton LU1 1BW Telephone +44 1582 877 070 Website www.cogic.co.uk Email lnews@cogic.co.uk For Newsletter Enquiries, Feedback , Your Articles and Prayer Requests. General Enquiries office@cogic.co.uk

WELCOME CONTENTS

ne more issue to go and we are into 2015, How Exciting!

GREETING YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Isn’t it so awesome to know that no matter how destroyed and damaged you may think you are, no matter how derailed your life may currently seem, our Heavenly Father will still use you and will fulfil His divine plan for your life. An absolutely spectacular Youth Sunday topic “Broken Crayons Still Colour”, which each and everyone of us can relate to in some way. Another fantastic job from the youth department.

NEWS IN BRIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

It is also encouraging and uplifting to know that academic achievement and graduation are not out of reach for anyone, regardless of age, busy schedules or even commitments. The ability to achieve was projected in our last issue through the graduation of bible school students within the Luton COGIC Assembly, and useful tips on how to survive university. In this issue the “Cover Story” is about our own Luton Male Voice Choir. They have been ministering for many years and with their new album coming out soon it is only befitting for us to meet and learn a little about them. Our “Knowing You” section features Sister Victoria Izuogu, she is definitely a worker for the Lord. She sings in the choir, helps with the catering, especially at the large conventions. Always a great contributor to the annual Cultural Evening with her homeland cuisine. There is much to learn and admire.

Charity Registration Number: 1061869

We have some more practical tips on surviving university from Brother Richard Douglas and a testimony of achievement from Sister Andrane Beckford, much to feast on!

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Jesus is the reason for the Season, and as we approach Christmas, we give you an insight into this special time of year in our Assembly.

Cover Story

Women’s Fellowship

In Knowing You

Sister Rhonda Byam

“Remember to Pray For”

Send us your prayer requests and we will place them in this section

COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Luton Male Voice Choir

FIRE BREAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

By Sister Andrane Beckford

CHRISTMAS IN LUTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

By Brother Aaron Quinton

DON’T BE SCAMMED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 KNOWING YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Sister Victoria Izuogu

UNIVERSITY SURVIVAL TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . .7

By Brother Richard Douglas

IN PICTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

COGIC National Women’s Convention 2014

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 ANYTHING TO CELEBRATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 CHURCH NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SERVICE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

In “Knowing You”

Sister Victoria Izuogu

We hope you enjoy your read and more importantly by God’s grace enjoy Christmas 2014 and we will see you in the New Year.

You can also get a physical copy of LNEWS at the church. Ask one of the ushers for your copy.

“Anything to Celebrate” Tell us and we will publish it

Greetings from Deacon Harrison

Read her interview on page 6 Psalm 23 v 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. LNEWS

GREETING YOU

reetings to Bishop and Pastor. The Right Reverend Dr. Alvin Blake DD. Our First Lady Mother Blake, All Officers, Members, Friends and Visitors of our Assembly. We the Luton COGIC Male Voice Choir feel very humbled and honoured to be a part of this great organization. As many of you know we are a group of men who sing and minister Gospel songs, and the whole purpose of ministry is to win souls for Jesus Christ. As you read more about us, you will learn of the beginning of the group, some 27 years ago at our former church building in Dale Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. In May 2011, the Male Voice Choir were privileged to record live at our place of worship in the COGIC assembly in Dunstable Road. A very special evening, a fundraising Gospel concert. The concert was filmed by BVTV and the group has been blessed to record an album entitled “Fond Memories”, and is still in great demand. Currently we are working on a new album which will hopefully be released in Easter of 2015. The album will feature traditional songs which will inspire both the older and younger generation. May God bless you all as you continually read the newsletter, from which you will find great encouragement, inspiration and tips for everyday life. Continue to lift up the name of God Almighty and your support in our singing ministry is always greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Luton Male Voice Choir Deacon Cecil G. Harrison

From Deacon C. Harrison Movember, supporting men’s health, is here again. Will you be taking part? For further details go to uk.movember.com News in brief

•

Macmillan (Cancer Support) coffee morning raised £230 - Well done Missionary Carol Thompson.

•

National Women’s Convocation took place in October - see page 7 for the photos.

•

Welcome to baby Isla Ann Franks born 22nd September 2014 .

A NOTE OF CAUTION: THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF THEFTS FROM CARS AROUND THE CHURCH. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES DISPLAYED IN YOUR CARS, ESPECIALLY LOOSE CHANGE AND SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS.

LNEWS

COVER STORY - LUTON MALE VOICE CHOIR

Deacon C. Harrison

Deacon C. Sinclair

Brother J.Toro Jacobson

THE HISTORY OF THE LUTON COGIC MALE VOICE CHOIR

he group was first formed in 1987 by four people; Elder H.Butler, Deacon C. Sinclair, Sister Hyacinth McGhan-Stone and her Sister Elaine McGhan. In the early days the group’s name was the Dale Four Singers. Although the Group was not well known outside of their own Assembly at Dale Road Luton, (from which the Group took its name) the unique style in singing Gospel Songs inspired many who heard them sing.

Brother P. Douglas

Deacon M. Ellis

Elder H. Butler

After the sale of the Dale Road Assembly in 1999, the Church moved to 127 Dunstable Road, Luton Bedfordshire now the UK Headquarters for the Calvary Church of God In Christ.(The COGIC Centre) under the leadership of The Rt. Revd. Alvin Blake DD Jurisdictional Bishop. Deacon Ellis was then the Leader of the Group. In 2004 he informed the members that he could no longer continue as leader due to his work commitments. Deacon Harrison was then duly elected as the new leader for the group and still is the current leader. The Group’s name changed to The Luton COGIC Male Voice Choir. As it is now known.

In 1989 there were further additions to the Group; Brother Melvin Ellis, Brother P. Palmer and Brother C. Jessamaine. The Group was now seven in number but it retained it’s original name the Dale Four Singers, soon after this addition the two Female members were no longer a part of the Group and it then became an all Male Singing Group. The name was then changed to The Dale Five, Deacon Sinclair was the then leader.

Also in 2004, 5 new members joined the Group. Brother Michael Jarvis, Brother Peter Douglas, Brother Bernie Abbey, Brother David Henderson, Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson. In 2006 Brother Dorell Thompson also became a member of the Group, unfortunately due to retirement and bereavement of 4 members only Nine (9) members now remain.

In 1992 Brother Cecil Harrison was invited to join, and in 1994 Deacon Mead joined the Group now consisting of seven members, but we retained the name The Dale Five (Smile). The Dale Five continued to minister in song, visiting many churches not only in Luton but beyond; Aylesbury, Watford, London, and Manchester. We have also sung at an Old People’s Home in Luton.

The COGIC Male Voice Choir is a unique Group of men who have been singing together for a great number of years. The membership has increased since the Group began some 27 years ago, and we are looking forward to 2015 which promises to be an exciting year. The COGIC Male Voice Choir was privileged to be part of a live recording Fundraising Gospel Concert at the Church Headquarters in © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Brother B. Abbey

Brother D. Thompson

Brother M. Jarvis

Dunstable Road, Luton Bedfordshire in May 2011, which was not only their debut recording, but the main purpose of the Concert was to help raise funds for the refurbishment of the Church. The concert was filmed and recorded Live by BVTV. In addition, the Group’s aim is to win souls for Jesus Christ with their unique style in Gospel singing, great harmonies and rich tones. DVD’s from the May 2011 fundraising concert can still be purchased from the Church Reception Office in Dunstable Road, Luton Bedfordshire. With the permission of our Bishop/Pastor we are blessed to minister at other venues. Members Of The Male Voice Choir:Deacon C. Harrison (Leader) Deacon C. Sinclair Brother J. Toro Jacobson Brother P. Douglas Look out for the Deacon M. Ellis Luton Male Elder H. Butler Brother B. Abbey Voice Choirs’ Brother D. Thompson New CD in 2015 Brother M. Jarvis Researched and written by:-

Deacon: Cecil G.E. Harrison (Group Leader) LNEWS

FIRE BREAK BY SISTER ANDRANE BECKFORD Photos courtesy of Andrane Beckford Hi my name is Sister Andrane Beckford. I successfully completed a Fire Break Course which was from the 9th-12th October 2012 at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I was the only young person on the course. Thanks be to God the course was very interesting and educational, I learnt teamwork, how to use the pumps and ladders, Road Traffic Awareness, Knots, Lines and all that a fire fighter does on a daily basis.

Effort Practical

Day1 Good Good

Day2 Good Good

Day3 Good Good

Day4 Excellent Excellent

Day5 Excellent Excellent

My Report was: Throughout her week with Bedfordshire Fire Service Andrane has been a pleasure to work with. She quietly works hard, gets on with tasks, and is polite and kind to instructors, and caring towards all others. The team of both students and staff have all been delighted to have the opportunity to get to know Andrane. Andrane’s ability to follow instruction with a positive and compliant demeanour has been consistent throughout the week. Andrane’s punctuality and enthusiasm has been particularly noted. She has been an exceptional student. I enjoyed the course and the experience, to all the readers of the newsletter please continue to pray for me as I pray for you.

CHRISTMAS IN LUTON BY BROTHER AARON QUINTON

s we know Christmas is a very important time of the year. Many know it only as the day where they give and receive gifts, watch movies partake in Christmas dinners, parties. However we as Christians know that it is the day of Jesus’ birth, so it’s especially important to us. Here at the Church of God of Christ we observe the Christmas period in a multitude of different ways. The praise & worship annually minister at the airport, singing Christmas hymns & carols. The Sunday school & Youth department also combine to put on a production which usually consists of sketches, songs, poems and an overall production play. Then on Christmas day we will have a Christmas service, which will begin with every attendee receiving a Christmas card from the church, and will have a heavy Christmas theme culminating with a Christmas sermon. Then after the service there’s a meal available where families and individuals can come together and fellowship over the real meaning of Christmas.

DON’T BE SCAMMED I was walking past a notice board and spotted this information which I thought would be good to pass on to the readers. It’s a scam - Fraudsters want your PIN and bank card details. 1. A fraudster telephones you claiming to be from your bank or police. They tell you that your bank card details have been used fraudulently. 2. They suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back to ensure the call is genuine. Don’t be fooled - They stay on the line. They then tell you to read out or key in your PIN. 3. They send a taxi/courier to you to collect your bank card. With this and your PIN, they spend your money. Just remember - Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN or bank card - don’t give them to anybody. If you have been a victim of this crime call the police on 101. LNEWS

KNOWING YOU SISTER VICTORIA IZUOGU - A TRUE WORKER FOR THE LORD LNEWS: How were you converted? SVI: I was born in a Catholic Church. During the Biafran war, we were unable to attend Church because the Cathedrals were being bombed even throughout worship services. The fear of being hurt meant that many people kept away. I was invited to a Pentecostal church by a friend and was converted in 1969 and was “water” baptised in 2002. Acts 2 v 37 - 38. LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian? SVI: I would say from a I was a child, because I was born into a family of believers. LNEWS: How many children do you have? SVI: Praise God I am blessed with four lovely children. LNEWS: Are your family a part of Church life? SVI: Yes, Thankfully they are a part of The Christian Pathway, because of commitments (i.e. Marriage) they each attend different assemblies. LNEWS: Where is your country of origin? SVI: Nigeria is my country of origin, Praise God, a nation of worshippers. LNEWS: Tell us briefly about your place of birth? SVI: Nigeria has both worshippers Christians and Muslims, and the presence of Almighty God can be felt strongly in this nation. LNEWS: Do you know the meaning of your name? SVI: Victoria means Victory in Jesus name. LNEWS: How many languages do you speak? SVI: I speak “only” three languages. LNEWS: On a scale of 1-10 how did you enjoy this interview? Here are the 10 ratings: 1. Once and once only 2. Phew! Made it… 3. I am glad its over, I don’t like questions 4. Wouldn’t do this in person 5. Very interesting look at my life

LNEWS: Apart from serving God, briefly tell us one of your greatest life experiences? SVI: My greatest life experience, is serving God, he is my Strength, Healer, Comforter, Saviour, Counsellor, Deliverer and Protector. Read Psalm 27, Psalm 103 and Isaiah 41 v 10, also see my article entitled “Comfort”. LNEWS: We know you love to dress in your traditional attire, what does this mean to you? SVI: I enjoy wearing my traditional attire because it identifies my origin. LNEWS: You are forever the helper, explain the joy this brings to you? SVI: A willing heart is a blessing, as long as I live and God gives me the strength I will do my very best to help, it is a joy. 1st Chronicles 29 v 6 and 9. LNEWS: What do you love about serving God? SVI: God is my Creator, He loves me, He is always with me, above all it is our duty to serve God. Serving God is the beginning of Understanding, Wisdom and Knowledge. LNEWS: What is your profession in life? SVI: As a profession I work as a Chef, I specialise in diet and nutrition. (Dietician). LNEWS: Please encourage the readership with a valuable thought. SVI: I want to Thank God, my Saviour and Precious Holy Ghost for saving me. Please try and attend Wednesday evening Prayer and Bible Study, where you learn more of the Word of God and Pray in your hour of need. Love to you all and remain blessed.. 6. I did as best as I could 7. I am shy and overwhelmed 8. I am incredibly shy but don’t mind 9. I love it, wouldn’t do it again though (not for a long time) 10. I love it, would do it again SVI: 10

give greetings to the Holy Spirit, and greet my Bishop acknowledge The Blessed Trinity, who is your Creator, Saviour and Director. There is comfort in knowing that and Pastor, Bishop Blake who is our you can acknowledge God, wherever you SERVING IN THE KITCHEN Spiritual Leader. are. You can let God into your life through When you are down, where do you get confession, repentance and calling on him comfort? When you are sick, where do you faithfully. get comfort? When your husband or wife Psalm 30 v 5 teaches us that “Weeping forsake you, where do you get comfort? may endure for a night but Joy cometh When you fail yourself, where do you get in the morning” Your morning could be comfort? When you are childless, where anytime, any second, any minute, any do you get comfort? When all things day or even years. surround you like shadows, where do you get comfort? Psalm 24 v 7 says “Lift up your heads O ye gates and be ye lifted up and the King of True comfort is in Jesus Christ. Comfort Glory shall come in” We have a great God, does not come from running away, hiding, Call, trust, hope, depend upon Him, and denial, drugs, drink, aggression, self-harm, smoking. NO! True comfort comes from God the Father, above all be strong in The Lord. Son and Holy Ghost. The first thing is to accept and I am a living testimony. God Almighty has worked

miraculously in my life and has always carried me through. We all have a cross to bear, it is not easy but with God it becomes easier. Jeremiah 32 v 27 asks “Is there anything too hard for God?” Jesus prayed for us, “it is finished”. Take great comfort and always call on The Lord and he WILL direct your path. In God you will always find comfort. Please be encouraged. Remember you are not alone. God bless and keep you In Jesus’ Name. Sister Victoria Izuogu

MINISTERING IN THE CHOIR

T hank you for your valued time S ister V ictoria I zuogu . W e are truly inspired 6

LNEWS

UNIVERSITY SURVIVAL TIPS BY BROTHER RICHARD DOUGLAS

reetings in the Precious name of Jesus Christ, to Bishop and Mother Blake, Officers and all the wonderful Saints in Christ. As some of our young people prepare to go off to university it would be good to have an idea of important things you will need whilst always studying. In this list I am not going to be mentioning things that are obvious, but rather items that are easily overlooked but are essential and will be sorely missed if not packed (trust me I found out the hard way). So with that I am going to give you my kit list for university. •

Iron (a very handy item to have, however, not a necessity someone around you will have one).

•

Door wedge (if you keep your bedroom door open you’ll make friends with your new house mates much more quickly, trust me!).

•

Sandals/flip-flops (for those days you’re not doing much).

•

Whiteboard (for your day-to-day tasks).

•

Extension leads.

•

Desk lamp (because the main lights can be quite bright).

•

Extra tea towels (they do like to go missing).

•

Posters (liven up your room).

•

Speakers (don’t have to be expensive or big just enough for you to enjoy).

•

Extra notepads (just to jot down private ideas you may have).

•

Mini fridge (again not a necessity but if you have something that you really like and don’t want anyone to take it, I do strongly suggest a fridge. Check with your university that they allow them).

•

Pack of cards (great icebreaker).

•

Sleeping bag (if you have friends over or you’re going to visit someone).

Remember to Pray For

Prayer changes things so please remember to pray for those on the list below. The LNEWS team always need your prayers. Sis. Gardener Bro. Trotman Deacon Hunter Sis. Buchanan Sis. Jenny Wilson Derek Spalding Bro. Joseph Toro Jacobson Sis. Carol Cunningham Bro. Shakeal Ellis The Payne Family The Francis Family The Cyrus Family Provide us with your prayer requests and we will publish it for you. You don’t have to give the full details just a name will do.

So with all that being said I wish all our young people who are going off to university this year or in the future a great time; study hard, do the best that you can but also have fun because the 3 years or more you spend at university will be the most challenging but greatest time you will have. You will meet people you never thought you would from all walks of life and you learn so much not just about other people but you will also truly learn who you are and where you are in your Christian life.

IN PICTURE

A small selection of photos from the COGIC UK Women’s Convocation 2014

Anything to Celebrate Birthdays November Sis. Annette Chard-Patrick 2nd Sis. Merla Wright 4th Sis. Lynnis Abbey 5th Sis. Barbra Jacobs 7th Sis. Ann Marie Stewart 7th Sis. Maureen Stephens 9th Sis. Shirley Myers 17th Elder Everton Blake 18th Evangelist Nova Wilson 19th Sis. Sandra Palmer 25th Deaconess Angela Blackman 27th Sis. Denise Kerr 28th Sis. Patricia Young 29th Sis. Pauline Young 29th Sis. Marcia Morrison 30th December Bro. Michael Jarvis 9th Bro. Barry Morrison 10th Missionary Minnette Quinton 21st Bro. Colin Payne 21st Bro. Dorrell Thompson 28th

Just a thought

Prevention is better than cure LNEWS

CHURCH NOTICES Local Meetings: Friday 14th November 2014 Saturday 15th November 2014 Friday 28th November 2014

Men’s Fellowship Women’s Fellowship Men’s Fellowship

Start Time 8:00pm 8:00am 8:00pm

Friday 12th December 2014 Saturday 13th December 2014 Thursday 25th December 2014 Wednesday 31st December 2014

Men’s Fellowship Women’s Fellowship Christmas Day Service Watch Night Service

8:00pm 8:00am 11:00am 9:00pm

National Meetings: Saturday 15th November 2014 - 18:00 - 23:00

COGIC Youth Department 60th Anniversary Celebration Gala - See Elder Quinton for details.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service Times Sundays

Prayer Meeting (Every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month) Sunday School Morning Service New Believers & Discipleship Classes Evening Service

Start 7:00am 10:00am 11:00am 5.00pm 6:00pm

Finish 8:00am 10:50am 1:00pm 6.00pm 8:00pm

Wednesdays

Prayer Meeting & Bible Studies

8:00pm

9:30pm

Thursdays

Prayer & Fasting

11:00am

1:00pm

Fridays

Youth Meeting Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month)

8:00pm 8:00pm

9:30pm 9:30pm

Saturdays

Women’s Fellowship (Every 2nd Saturday of the Month)

8:00am

10:00am

Which Sunday is Which First Sunday

Communion Sunday

Second Sunday

Sisters’ Sunday

Third Sunday Fourth Sunday Fifth Sunday

Pastor’s and Elders’ Sunday Deacons’ Sunday Youth Sunday

All the above services/meetings are subject to change - See church secretary for further details