Issue3 by COGIC UK Luton Assembly Newsletter

SU IS E :3 No

C O G I C - UK

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

January – February 2014

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

Greetings from Mother A. Blake

Cover Story The Luton Choir

Knowing You with Mother Merna Ellis Cooking up a storm

The Luton Choir S inging A t the L ondon W elsh M ale V oice C hoir C oncert held here in L uton The COGIC U

K Website

Access To

Inside:

Complimentary Issue

Plus more

Our Church Choir 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 WELCOME Issue No: 3

raise be to God our Saviour and King

Happy New Year to all our readers and may the God of heaven give peace throughout the year. Did you survive Christmas? I’m still awaiting my pressie. It must have got lost in the post. Whilst finalising this issue the news came through that Nelson Mandela passed away. Wow! What a man. I have had the privilege of visiting South Africa, going to Robben Island where he was imprisoned and standing outside his prison cell. It was a moving experience. Mr Nelson Mandela

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

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

we salute you and pray for your family and your country in their time of mourning. Online Statistics: 623 people read LNEWS online. A little down on the first issue but still high. As you go about spreading The Gospel of Jesus Christ, let people know about your church and direct them to your churches’ newsletter. Evangelism has taken on a whole new dimension and that’s in the form of the internet.

MY TESTIMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

By Amoy Smith.

JUNIOR MASTER CHEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Flapjacks by Eva Sinclair aged 9.

ANYTHING TO CELEBRATE . . . . . . . . . . 7 CHURCH NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SERVICE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

In “Knowing You”

Mother Merna Ellis (Head Caterer)

We keep evolving and hopefully getting better. Please continue to support us in prayer, suggestions, contributions and constructive feedback. It’s your newsletter and a vehicle to the world. In this issue we have our wonderful Mother Merna Ellis answering questions. I don’t how she does it but she can cook and lots of it too. I have seen mountains of food coming from the church’s kitchen.

I once helped with the peeling of the potatoes and I took so long I was never asked to do it again. I must be the only person Mother Merna has sacked!

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

HOW I MADE IT INTO POLICE CADETS . . 5

By Katrice Russell.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR . . . . . . . . . . . 7

In Knowing You

“Remember to Pray For”

COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Luton Choir.

AUXILIARY SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Cover Story

Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson AKA Mr Sharp Dresser

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

Mother Merna Ellis - Cooking up a storm.

I often see people come in especially at conventions and ask Mother Merna for something to eat and she seldom turns them down. In all the time I have known Mother Merna she is always smiling.

Harvest Service and Cultural Evening

OUR MOTHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Greetings from Mother Blake.

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

COGIC UK HQ Address 127 Dunstable Road Luton LU1 1BW

CONTENT

You must now be backing up your computers. I can’t stress enough how important it is to do that. The cover story, wow! The famous, talented Luton Choir. They have been going for a long time, have sung many a song and they still won’t let me join. Can you blame them, with my singing?

The Editorial Team

See her exciting interview on page 6 Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

LNEWS

OUR Spiritual MOTHER Firstly I honour God Almighty the Saviour of our souls. I am wonderfully grateful to God Almighty for the Luton Assembly. I take pleasure in Greeting our Esteemed Bishop Alvin Blake, the officers, members, and every reader of our newsletter. We have all been truly blessed to see this New Year of 2014… A gift that we can treasure and cherish. I am wishing you all a Happy and perfect year. The times are ever changing but God Almighty remains the same. Being a spiritual and natural mother I urge us all to make Jesus Christ Central In our thoughts words and deeds in the coming days which we can only leave in his hands. Make the most of every second you receive, in your home lives, church lives and daily journeys. Let us all make every second count. Great is the faithfulness of God and his mercies are new every morning. Enjoy the newsletter, the inspiring testimonies, advice and various subjects...even the children’s delicious recipes. As the Word of the Lord teaches us children are a heritage. I bring much love to you

Mother A. Blake

GREETINGS FROM MOTHER A. BLAKE NEWS IN BRIEF It’s 2014, that’s right it’s a New Year. New hope, New blessings, New beginnings. Bro. Aaron Quinton and Sis. Amii Bonner have now graduated from University. We have some bright sparks in our church. Well done to both of you. Did you notice that two of the elders grew moustaches for Movember? If you want to know more about Movember visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movember and maybe you can partake next year to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Elder Paul Quinton with his Movember moustache

Rhonlie Byam’s school will be featuring him in their own newsletter after reading his testimony in LNEWS. We wish him a speedy recovery. We will try and keep you updated on his progress. Fancy an 8 day trip to the Holy Land? See the Church Notices on the back page for further details. LNEWS

COVER STORY - THE LUTON CHOIR

t’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about any black Pentecostal church; there is something about the gowns, the harmonies, the organ music and the songs that can inspire and uplift you. It’s unforgettable and resonates with all who pass through the church doors.

its paces every other Tuesday for up to one and a half hours, all for 5 minutes on a Sunday Morning. Above all the vocal training, hand-eye coordination and rushing to and from the choir stand; the choir’s main aim has always been to lift the Name of Jesus higher and minister His message in song. Whether it be on a Sunday morning, at a concert or in the local town centre the choir looks to draw the presence of God into every atmosphere.

In COGIC Luton Assembly there is no exception, every Sunday up to 50 members of our church gather on the choir stand to minister a song rehearsed on the previous Tuesday. Led by Missionary Thompson and her team, our church choir have represented our church both in the local community and nationally.

Sunday service with our gowns Tenors

Sopranos

Crossing age barriers, there are three generations represented in our church choir, who all add to its general character; no song is too old or too new to be sung; or too hard to learn or be taught. It is without doubt that our choir has been a focal point within our assembly for many years and is responsible for the vocal excellence by many of the great singers in our church. Before the brilliant Praise Team, The Wonderful *Glory Echoes and various vocal groups, there was the church choir. The foundation of the singing ministry. I can’t remember a time not singing in the choir, originally lead by Missionary Simpson I remember singing while standing on a chair with a little gown age 5, trying my best to keep up. Its not as easy as it looks; the lyrics, harmonic parts and the ROCKING IN TIME TO THE MUSIC! It takes hard work to prepare. The choir is put through 4

Altos

When considering all of this I can without doubt say that I am grateful to my membership in the choir for teaching me vocal discipline, obedience to leadership and working as part of a team. Growing up in church it has been easy to take for granted the heritage and church legacy I and many others have been a part of; Vocal ability is one thing but the spiritual encouragement gained by every song, every practice, every Sunday has been without doubt cause for great appreciation. If you would like to be a part of the choir please contact Missionary Carol Thompson.

Sister Sinead Montrose *The Glory Echoes were a group of young people in our church from the 70’s right through to the 90’s. They sang across the country and travelled all over Europe led by the then Sister Carol Smith!

LNEWS

HOW I MADE IT INTO POLICE CADETS - BY KATRICE RUSSELL

t’s quite ironic that I wanted to be a police officer, I say that because since I was in year four I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer and being a police officer was a lifestyle of which was contrary to my life prior to being saved. My plans changed when I realised I wanted to have an impact on society and not just be one of the people who sit at home moaning about how awful society is and how rubbish the government and the police were, I realised that if I wanted a change I too had to get involved and help bring about that change. So I decided I wanted to be a police officer and I meditated on it for a while, I was quite doubtful and I was constantly questioning myself whether this was something I definitely wanted to do. I remember telling one of my friends that I no longer wanted to be a lawyer but I wanted to be a police officer and she started to tell me about Police cadets and then from there I started to do my own research and then eventually decided to request some application forms.

So after requesting some forms from their website I decided I’d send them off. At this point I hadn’t told anyone that I was applying, not even my mother. I filled out the forms and decided that I no longer wanted to do police cadets, I had decided that I had ‘too much going’ and I’ll do that later. However something kept on telling me to carry on, so I sent off the application form and within a few weeks I received a letter saying I had been short-listed and that they would contact me at a later date to confirm whether I would be selected to continue onto the interview process. I waited and heard nothing for a few weeks, at this point I decided to tell my family and friends that I had

LNEWS

QUICK UPDATE:

I’ve started cadets whilst going to college and I love it, in cadets I am learning about: health and safety, diversity and equality, how to handle real life situation, parade and drill and UDT training.

THE LORD GRANTS ME SUCCESS:

So after being dismissed I went home and for the next couple of weeks I was constantly praying about this one thing, constantly asking God to grant me favour and success. After a while, I began to get disheartened after not receiving a letter and I stopped placing this in my prayers and started to accept failure. However, a few weeks later I received a brown envelope, which contained a letter of success saying that I had been accepted in to police cadets and that I would need to book my appointments for my uniform fitting

My testimony by Amoy Smith

My name is Amoy Smith and I am 13yrs old. I go to Lealands high school and I am in year 9. Up until this year high school was going ok however so far this year has been full of trials and tribulations. The work got harder and the expectations of us got higher, but the most challenging and eye opening experience for me, was dealing with friends and those who I am

and my photo ID card. I texted all my family and friends and it was so encouraging to know that everyone was supportive of what I was doing even if it wasn’t something they wanted me to do at the beginning. Throughout all of this I found comfort in 2 Corinthians ‘ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’ I’m thankful to know that it was when I was weak that Christ was working on my behalf, that in those moments of doubt he came through for me even though I didn’t deserve it. That even though my lifestyle was hostile to the direction I’m heading in now, to the oath God has called me to he still granted me favour.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

applied and still remember my mum questioning whether I was sure this was something I wanted to do because I had always been so persistent on becoming a lawyer. After a few weeks of desperately waiting I received another letter saying that I had been selected to attend an interview at Barnfield College, my nerves started to kick in at this point because I really wasn’t expecting to make it to this stage, so I consulted Aunty Minette (Missionary Minette Quinton) and she helped prepare me for some of the questions that may come up and I ran through practice questions with my School tutor and My head teacher. Eventually the day of the interview arrived and I went along to the interview; ten minutes late even though I was told to be ten minutes early! I remember just covering myself constantly under the blood, asking for the peace of God and just reciting ‘you alone know the plans you have for me Lord, you have promised me success and not failure’ all the way to Barnfield and all throughout the interview-of which they were running ten minutes late; thank God. Throughout all of this I remained prayerful.

close to. This is because I see so many negative behaviours in my age group. For example, some say that they are Christians and go to church but they tell lies, talk about other people behind their backs and make people feel small. Although I’m not baptised yet, I still understand that these are not Christian behaviours. Myself and my friend Abigail found ourselves in the situation where we felt uncomfortable about being friends with these people so we prayed. I trust that God will be with me and so long as I continue to seek him I know that he will bring me through.

My Uniform PERMISSION HAD TO BE SOUGHT BEFORE USING THIS PHOTOGRAPH

Junior Master Chef - Flapjacks by Eva Sinclair aged 9 FIRST OF ALL YOU NEED TO WASH YOUR HANDS. Makes 8 wedges (triangles) or 12 small squares. Alway Ingredients: make s su 125g butter or margarine an ad re ult is 125g demerara sugar pres when ent 5tbsp golden syrup cookin g 225g porridge oats 1tsp ground ginger You can add sultanas if you would like them to be fruity.

• • • • • • • • •

Put the oven on to Gas Mark 5, 190C, 375F whilst preparing the ingredients. Grease or line a 20cm sandwich tin or small oven proof dish with grease proof baking paper. Melt the butter in a large pan and stir in the sugar and syrup. Add the oats and ground ginger and mix well. Pour and press the mixture evenly into the sandwich tin or oven proof dish and smooth over. Bake for 20 minutes. Let it cool down for 15 minutes in the tin, then score into 8 wedges or small squares. Once it is completely cool, take out and break into wedges or squares. Delicious on its own or with custard !!!

KNOWING YOU MOTHER MERNA ELLIS - COOKING UP A STORM LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian? MME: I have been a Christian since the age of 13 and so that means 48 successful years so far… (and to the readership… No working it out!!) LNEWS: How were you converted? MME: I was converted at COGIC in Dale Road, Luton Beds LNEWS: Are You Married with Children? MME: I am wonderfully married to Deacon Melvin Ellis and we are blessed with four lovely children, two daughters and two sons…Praise be to God LNEWS: Do you have Grandchildren? MME: I have 15 grandchildren LNEWS: Is your family involved in Church life? MME: In My immediate family My Husband is a Deacon in the church and in my greater family I have two sisters who also diligently work in ministry. LNEWS: What has been your toughest life trial to date? MME: When my husband and I were first married and we began to be blessed with our children, there were some tough times financially, in raising them. By Gods grace we got through and it is my testimony that with God Almighty we can stand, God has brought me from a mighty long way. LNEWS: You have dual roles as a Church Mother/Head Caterer… Describe both of your roles… MME: I take both of these roles very seriously, and most would know that I love cooking , so whilst being the Head of Catering and blessing the people of God in the kitchen I also fulfil the role of being a Church Mother which has the attributes of caring and nurturing. LNEWS: Do you have a preferred role? MME: Both roles are as important as each other, with my ministry the roles are interlocked, I am the Head Caterer who dearly loves to be a Mother to those I have been blessed to cater for.

LNEWS: You are incredibly busy do you take any rest? MME: I take rest when I can and I get a break when I go on holiday. LNEWS: What is your leisure of choice... if any? MME: I love travel, and occasionally I watch some television. LNEWS: Please share with us a line of encouragement MME: In the days that we are living in we must stand fast, be friendly, love one another and treat each other good. LNEWS: On a scale of 1-10 how did you enjoy this interview? Here are the 10 ratings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Once and once only Phew! Made it… I am glad its over, I don’t like questions Wouldn’t do this in person Very interesting look at my life I did as best as I could I am shy and overwhelmed I am incredibly shy but don’t mind I love it, wouldn’t do it again though (not for a long time) I love it, would do it again

MME: 10. I love it, would do it again.

God bless you Mother Merna Ellis for your time and encouragement… Thoroughly enjoyable…

LNEWS: If so why? MME: I love both roles. LNEWS: How long have you been a Church Mother? MME: About 9/10 years. LNEWS: How long have you been the Head Caterer? MME: My Mother was the Head Caterer initially, and the baton was passed to me, after my parents retired to Jamaica, I have lovingly been the present Head of Catering for approximately 15 years. LNEWS: You are renowned for your lovely cooking, what do you enjoy the most? MME: I love Caribbean cooking the most, I do African, Spanish, Italian and obviously English cooking at times…

Head Caterer Mother Merna in her domain, at church

LNEWS: If possible can you recall what is the largest number of people you have ever catered for? MME: I catered for over 1000 people at a function in Manchester, it was only supposed to be 500 in attendance. LNEWS: What do you find the most taxing within your catering role? MME: As a funny moment, I remember asking a member to peel a bag of potatoes he took so long to peel them and he has never been asked to do it again… It was hilarious and very taxing… (smile).

LNEWS: I am sure there are many but what is one of your greatest memories as the Church’s Head Caterer? MME: There are many, I love catering for the conventions, weddings, but my favourite time and the most rewarding is the Christmas dinner that we have at the church, the enjoyment the people display and the great feedback that I receive… It is absolutely a joy to my heart. 6 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SOME OF MOTHER MERNA’S DISHES

LNEWS: Where did you learn to cook? MME: I grew up with my grandmother in Jamaica, and she loved cooking and as a little girl she would put me on a stand near to where she was cooking. I was blessed to stir the pot, I was always by her side watching everything she did and it gave me a love for cooking.

LNEWS

AUXILIARY SERVICES BIBLE STUDIES & PRAYER MEETING Bible Study and Prayer is held every Wednesday evening at 8.00pm and in this time 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. Also on Thursdays there is an additional prayer meeting between 11:00am 1.00pm.

NEW BELIEVERS & DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES The class is held on a Sunday Afternoon 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.

MEN’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

SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School commences at 10.00am - 10.50am every Sunday. Classes range from Reception age 3-4 ; Primary age 5-6; Junior 7-10; Junior High 11-13; Young Adults 14-18. “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”. All teachers, helpers and van drivers are CRB checked in accordance with National Guidelines of Safeguarding children.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP 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 SATURDAY OF THE MONTH BETWEEN 8:00AM - 10:00AM

YOUTH MEETING Youth Group Activities Such As: Youth Ministries, Biblical Discussion, Quizzes, Networking, Prayer and more.

EVERY FRIDAY, STARTING AT 8:00PM LNEWS

Remember to Pray For Bro. Palmer Sis. Cyrus Sis. Gardener Bro. Trotman Deacon Hunter Sis. Jenny Wilson Derek Spalding Rhonlie Byam Elder Everton Blake Sis. Edwards Sis. Carol Cunningham Bro. Joseph Toro Jacobson 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 3rd January - Leyah Maddix 11th January - Bro. Christopher Jarvis 11th January - Sis. Jordanna Quinton 15th January - Bro. Michael Jacobs 15th January - Sis. Sarah Watson 16th January - Elder Paul Quinton 19th January - Sis. Kimberly Atkinson 23rd January - Sis. Esther Douglas 3rd February - Missionary Carol Thompson 4th February - Bro. Jonathan Addai 4th February - Andrane Beckford 6th February - Bro. Luke Francis-Chambers 7th February - Amelia-Rose Morrison 8th February - Deaconess Mellonie Maddix 17th February - Kieran Blackman 18th February - Sis. Shelly-Ann Fung

Just a thought

When it comes to your insurance renewal, shop around. You may just get it cheaper

CHURCH NOTICES Local Meetings: Friday 10th January 2014 Friday 24th January 2014

Men’s Fellowship. Men’s Fellowship.

Start Time 8:00pm 8:00pm

Friday 14th February 2014 Saturday 8th February 2014 Friday 28th February 2014

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

8:00pm 8:00am 8:00pm

Deacon Harrison is organising an 8 day tour to the Holy Land from the 29th June 2014, flying from Luton Airport. If anyone is interested you will need to speak to him directly. National Meetings: Saturday 11th January 2014 Saturday 25th January 2014 Saturday 8th February 2014 Saturday 22nd February 2014

Women’s board annual seminar National Youth Day Thanksgiving Service Luton HQ Annual General Assembly For All Licensed COGIC UK Officers

All the above services/meetings are subjuct to change - See church secretary for further 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 Meeting

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

Any Sunday service is subject to change.