Issue9

E SU 9 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

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

Inside:

Knowing You with Sister Rhonda Byam Plus more

The COGIC U

K Website

Cover Story Women’s Fellowship

Access To

Greetings from Mother N. Sinclair

Our Free Newsletter

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: 9 A bi-monthly newsletter Copyright © 2015 All material within this publication may not be used in part or whole without permission.

Blessed

and Wonderful 2015 to you all.

After we have acknowledged the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings, cooked a sumptuous meal, blessed our families and friends with gifts and our “presence”. Now is the time to look onward and upward as we carefully manoeuvre the winter months.

COGIC UK HQ

In our last issue, way back in 2014, we were blessed to feature the COGIC Luton Male Voice Choir who will be releasing a new recording, as the time fast approaches, we wait with great anticipation.

Address 127 Dunstable Road Luton LU1 1BW

The Female of the Species is the vehicle through whom life comes and in this very heartfelt issue we are featuring Women’s fellowship, ministry and role in life.

Enquiries should be directed to

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 Charity Registration Number: 1061869

IN THE NEXT ISSUE Cover Story

Sunday School

In Knowing You

Brother Barry Morrison

“Remember to Pray For”

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

“Anything to Celebrate” Tell us and we will publish it 2

WELCOME CONTENTS

We have a great interview with a very special lady.. Full of life and a Very inspiring young mother.. You will be uplifted and strengthened when you absorb her profile.. Find out more in this very humbling issue The Women’s Fellowship will be having exciting spiritual discussion and forward planning.

GREETING YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Greetings from Mother N. Sinclair

NEWS IN BRIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Women’s Fellowship

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2015 Event Planner

TIME TO PRAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

By Evangelist Esther Blake

KNOWING YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Sister Rhonda Byam

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

In “Knowing You”

Sister Rhonda Byam Read her interview on page 6

There is a Women’s Fellowship diary inside, with the topics of discussion and prayer.. May women from the age of 15 years and upwards be encouraged to attend, bring your family and friends for a time of good interaction..

Women’s role in life can never be diminished only increased and enhanced. Our Creator God Almighty designed women with a specific assignment as life givers and nurturers (Genesis 2 v 22 - 24) We pray you enjoy the blessing of this first great read of 2015 of as we prayerfully Move towards what God Almighty has in store.

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

The Editorial Team ©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord LNEWS

GREETING GREETING YOU YOU Precious Greetings to Bishop and Mother Blake, the Officers, membership and all the readers. I will take this opportunity to wish you all a very Blessed and thriving 2015.

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she is the Mother of all living” (Genesis 3 v 20) It is said that the three sweetest words in any language are MOTHER, HOME and HEAVEN. Christian Women above all others can deeply implant and faithfully cherish the seeds of truth in the young and tender hearts even more than their father. The woman of the home moulds the life, character and destiny of mankind. Every stage and phase of life is touched and influenced by her:Infancy, Childhood, Youth, Manhood, and Old Age, all these phases of life look to her for inspiration. She is both the morning and evening star of life.

When we look at the matriarchs in the Bible we are inspired to have faith and serve God with all of our heart. Despite her loss Jochebed contributed to God’s plan in a significant way, she chose the way of faith and preserved the life of Israel’s deliverer.

The key to her faith lies in the fact that it was well placed and well balanced. It was well placed because her trust was in God, and well balanced because while she trusted in God for the things she could not control, she carefully planned for the things that she was in control of. She placed the basket in the River Nile in a strategic location.

Women we can either despairingly descend into bitterness and anger or we can respond in the Holy Spirit which will lead us to greater faith and effectiveness for God. Jochebed, who is the mother of Moses, could have become angry and fought against the system, despising her situation, instead she responded in faith, by which The Lord used them both as powerful tools in his hands.

(Joshua 1 v 9) God calls us to have courageous faith, not reckless faith. Wisdom does not contradict faith, it compliments it. To all that will read this greeting, near and far, Remember: beautiful things do come from hard times, let us all step out in faith and Glorify God.

From Mother N. Sinclair News in brief

• • • •

Happy New Year to all our readers. May God prosper you in all your endeavours Bishop Blake received a certificate from Bedfordshire Police for his continuous Community Support National Women’s Conference on Saturday 10th January 2015 Don’t forget Thanksgiving Service on Saturday 7th February 2015

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

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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COVER STORY - WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP THE WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE Mother A. Blake

Missionary Carol Thompson

Missionary Jillian Patrick

Sister Susan Haynes

Sister Sinead Montrose

“WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED LEAD ME TO THE ROCK WHICH IS HIGHER THEN I” – PSALM 61:2 One thing you can depend on is turbulent times, everything doesn’t always work out the way you plan, and the stresses of life can tend to add pressure to already hard times.

blessing those in attendance. Seeing the year out with a Christmas Dinner Social (19th December 2014) the women’s department looks to the new year in anticipation.

When these situations arise a strong support network is key, and the Luton’s Women’s Fellowship aims to provide that support and encourage the women of our assembly to be strong n the lord and the strength of his might.

In the coming year The Fellowship will continue to support women of our church with laughter and love.

Meetings dedicated to Health & Well-being, Young Ladies & Older women in ministry will take place throughout the year.

Headed by our own first lady (Mother Blake), the committee hold meetings once a month to discuss life issues, Pray for those in need and apply the Word of God to everyday circumstances, the Women’s fellowship is a place for women of all ages to come together, learn grow and move on.

Come and be strengthened, uplifted in praise and devotion to the God of our salvation every second Friday of the month from 8:00 pm (Starting the 9th January 2015).

The bible is full of women who trusted the lord in time of need and weren’t left disappointed; they were able to become the best for their families and promote their experience to the world around them.

Mother A. Blake - (Chair)

In recent month the women’s department have held events to enrich and bring awareness, the McMillan Coffee Morning this autumn successfully raised £230.00 for charity. The team also held a Prayer Breakfast

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The Women’s Fellowship Committee: Missionary Carol Thompson (District Missionary) Missionary Jillian Patrick (Lead for Women’s Fellowship) Sister Susan Haynes – (Group Secretary) Sister Sinead Montrose - (Group Assistant)

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LNEWS

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP 2015 EVENT PLANNER

DATE EVENT NOTE All meetings in 2015 will take place on Friday Nights From 8:00 -9:30 pm Friday 9th January 2015 Start of Year Prayer meeting Friday 14th February 2015 Health and Well-being: Depression Friday 13th March 2015 Friday 10th April 2015 Friday 8th May 2015 Young Ladies Night: Courting & Relationships (ladies aged 15 – 21) Friday 12th June 2015 Friday 10th July 2015 Young Ladies Night: Cosmetic Makeover (ladies aged 15 – 21) Friday 14th August 2015 Singleness in Ministry (30’s plus) Friday 11th September 2015 Saturday 12th September 2015 Prayer Breakfast £5.00 per person (All Welcome) Friday 9th October 2015 Health and Well-being: Breast Cancer Awareness Friday 13th November 2015 Friday 11th December 2015

F

or the past 12 months as a church we have been praying together for lost souls. We are confident that in doing so we are in the will of God; for it is not God's will "...that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9b. Jesus observed and encouraged in St Luke 10:2 "...The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." So as we come to the end of our year of tarrying services, what now? I want to encourage you that it is yet time to pray!

I am not really a prayer warrior, would to God I were, but I can and must still pray. Jesus said "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." St Matthew 6:7. We have shared this

LNEWS

IT’S TIME TO PRAY! - BY EVANGELIST ESTHER BLAKE song together in our services on numerous occasions "Lord give me a praying spirit", and together we echo "Lord when I pray give me words to say".

Many people, like the hypocrites described by Jesus, are motivated to do things so they are seen.

They act out their own version of righteousness and feel puffed up in pride for their achievements.

Our Bishop has encouraged us ©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

to exercise caution and patience during this time of prayer. The time of prayer therefore is not over for us as individuals - it may have only just started. We cannot manipulate God but we are assured that once we pray in accordance with His will, He is faithful to fulfil all of the promises He has made for salvation for our friends, family, community and the world at large.

I have been encouraged by Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing (do not be full of care in respect of anything) but in every thing (note it is not the use of one word "everything", which has a different meaning to the use of two words "every" "thing") by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God".

Know this, prayer is one of our powerful spiritual weapons in this end time. It is time to pray saints!

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KNOWING YOU - SISTER RHONDA BYAM LNEWS: How were you converted?

SRB: I have been attending Church from as far back as I can remember. As a child I went to a Roman Catholic School and Church also. After a while my Parents decided to attend Bethel Apostolic which is a Pentecostal denomination. My Parents instilled in me the importance of attending worship services. I gave my life to the Lord and received water baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian?

SRB: I have been a Christian approximately from the age of 11.

LNEWS: Are you married with children?

SRB: I am married to the best husband in the world, Mr Paget Byam and we are blessed with 6 lovely children.

LNEWS: Are your family a part of Church life?

SRB: My husband works faithfully in the Catering Department. Our children do attend the Church. Our daughter Rhondeda works in the Sunday School Department as the Assistant Secretary and also sings in the choir.

AEB PHOTOGRAPY ©2014

LNEWS: What role do you have in the Assembly? Give us a brief view.

SRB: I am a very active member in the Assembly, I work on the Ushers Board as the Assistant Head Usher, I sing in the choir. In the past I have worked in both the Sunday School and Youth Departments.

LNEWS: What is your country of origin?

SRB: I was born in the beautiful island of Montserrat in the West Indies.

LNEWS: What does your homeland mean to you?

SRB: My Homeland means the world to me, its like paradise on Earth.

LNEWS: What has been your most difficult life trial to date?

SRB: There has been two major challenging times, one was leaving my country of origin to live in the UK due to the volcanic eruptions on the island and the passing of my beloved Father. My Father was a great man and I almost felt my world was falling apart. Praise God for his faithfulness towards me.

LNEWS: What does serving God mean to you?

SRB: Serving God means everything to me, I know that without Him I would be nothing. As the great songwriter so wonderfully puts it “Jesus Christ is all the world to me, my life, my joy and my all. He is my strength each day and without him I would definitely fall. When I am sad to him I go, No other one can cheer me so, When I am sad he makes me glad, He’s My Friend!”

LNEWS: What is your line of work?

SRB: I am a Day Inclusion Officer.

LNEWS: Please share an amusing life moment with us.

SRB: My Husband asked me to marry him all over again, and He went down on one knee and produced a ring with the initials RB. A romantic and amusing memory.

LNEWS: What is your leisure of choice?

SRB: I love travelling, singing, dancing and spending quality time with my family.

LNEWS: In three words describe yourself.

SRB: I am Kind, Caring and Fun. LNEWS: Please share a line of encouragement with the Readership.

SRB: I would encourage everyone to stay strong in The Lord and never give up on God, because He won’t give up on you. He is Able. God can and will make ways out of no way. He can turn your midnight into day. Jesus Christ never fails. I know who God says I am, What He says I am, Where He says I am. I simply know WHO I AM. Be Blessed.

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

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©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I did as best as I could 6.

I am shy and overwhelmed 7.

I am incredibly shy but don’t mind 8.

I love it, wouldn’t do it again though

(not for a long time) 9.

I love it, would do it again SRB: 10 LNEWS

AUXILIARIES IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND ANY THE MEETINGS SEE THE AUXILIARY LEADER OR CHURCH SECRETARY FOR FURTHER DETAILS BIBLE STUDIES & PRAYER MEETING

NEW BELIEVERS & DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES

Bible Study and Prayer is held every

The class is held on a

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 8.00PM Where we have an in-depth study of the bible and spiritual topics. Our Bible Study is always followed by a time of prayer and intercession. The Bible Study is very informative and a good foundation upon which to build your spiritual life and walk.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT 5.00PM. It is mainly for those who have an interest in being a Christian and being baptised and also for those who have been newly converted. We study the basis for spiritual development as in what it means to be a Christian, to be baptised and how to begin and maintain a new walk with God. Even though it is aimed at new believers, anyone is welcome to come and visit the class and even join in the teaching/discussion.

Also on Thursdays there is an additional prayer meeting between 11:00am - 1.00pm Led by Bishop A. Blake

Led by Elder Andrew Maddix

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD - Isaiah 1:18 Discussions on: Current Affairs, Everyday Issues, Health Issues, Building Confidence, Having a voice and using it.

Develop your Christian life and become better Husbands, Fathers, Brothers, Mentors, based around biblical principles EVERY 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY OF THE MONTH, STARTING AT 8:00PM

These meetings are open to all women; whether you are a member, visitor, well wisher or friend please join us as we share fellowship together.

MEETINGS TAKE PLACE ON EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH STARTING AT 8:00PM

Led by Brother Edward King

YOUTH MEETING

Youth Group Activities Such As:

Led by Mother A. Blake

SUNDAY SCHOOL

SUNDAY’S BETWEEN 10.00AM - 10.50AM Classes range from Reception age 3-4; Primary age 5-6; Junior 7-10; Junior High 11-13; Young Adults 14-18.

Youth Ministries, Prayer Meeting Biblical & Social Discussions, Quizzes, Networking, and more.

“Our commitment is to ensure that every child in our church develops the knowledge, understanding and confidence to lead effective, safe, healthy God-centred lives”.

EVERY FRIDAY, STARTING AT 8:00PM

All teachers, helpers and van drivers are CRB checked in accordance with National Guidelines of Safeguarding children.

Led by Elder Paul Quintion LNEWS

Led by Missionary Eluria Morgan ©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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.

Anything to Celebrate Birthdays Leyah Maddix Bro. Junior Stewart Bro. Christopher Jarvis Sis. Jordanna Quinton Bro. Michael Jacobs Sis. Sarah Watson Elder Paul Quinton Sis. Kimberly Atkinson Sis. Esther Douglas

January 3rd 7th 11th 11th 15th 15th 16th 19th 23rd

February Missionary Carol Thompson 3rd Bro. Jonathan Addai 4th Andrane Beckford 4th Bro. Luke Francis-Chambers 6th Amelia-Rose Morrison 7th Deaconess Mellonie Maddix 8th James Ryan 14th Kieran Blackman 17th Sis. Shelly-Ann Fung 18th

Just a thought

Be stingy with your pride and liberal with your apologies 7

CHURCH NOTICES Local Meetings: Friday 9th January 2015 Friday 9th November 2015 Friday 23rd January 2015

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

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

Friday 13th February 2015 Friday 13th February 2015 Friday 27th February 2015

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

8:00pm 8:00pm 8.00pm

National Meetings: 10th January 2015

Women’s meeting - Mother Reynolds

10th January 2015

Ministers Prayer Plus

7th February 2015 16th - 20th February 2015 21st February 2015

Thanksgiving Service Luton HQ Youth and Sunday School Retreat Annual General Assembly

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

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

8:00pm

9:30am

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