Issue4

SU IS E

C O G I C - UK

:4 No

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

March – April 2014

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

Cover Story Harvest Service & Cultural Evening

Knowing You with Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson

Giving God thanks for

Giving Back

Complimentary Issue

to the community

ul tu ra lE v

what he has done

The COGIC U

K Website

Harvest Service

And more...

Access To

Greetings from Mother A. Blake

&

C

g n i en

He’s got the whole world in His hands

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: 4

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 Charity Registration Number: 1061869

IN THE NEXT ISSUE Cover Story

Watch this space We have a special for you

In Knowing You

Watch this space We have a special for you

“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

G

reetings to all our readers in the name of Jesus.

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

Greetings from Mother Blake.

It’s spring time. Praises to God, Phew!! We got through winter.

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

The floods affected me as I was unable to go to work. What about you?

Harvest Service and Cultural Evening.

Issue 2 has been displayed a staggering 1154 times over the internet Online Statistics:

COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LUTON’S DISTRICT MEETING . . . . . . . . 5 EASTER SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 KNOWING YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

I have a correction to make, issue 2 has been displayed a staggering 1154 times over the internet instead of 623 readers as reported in issue3. Issue 3’s statistics are 541 to date.

Did you like Mother Merna’s interview in our last issue? Guess what! Remember I told you I was sacked from her kitchen? I popped into church one day to drop off something, 10 minutes at the most I hear you say, no, nearly eight hours later is when I left. I got caught up helping Mother Merna in the kitchen. She is the consummate professional. I went home tired but realised I had been reinstated into the kitchen, with not a potato in sight!

Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson - Mr Sharp Dresser.

AUXILIARY SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ANYTHING TO CELEBRATE . . . . . . . . . . 7 CHURCH NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SERVICE INFOMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

In “Knowing You”

Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson (Mr Sharp Dresser)

In this issue we have the stylish Brother Joseph Toro Jacobson answering questions. I am always teasing him about his attire. He is always dressed sharply, but don’t let that sharp appearance fool you, Brother Joseph has an inspiring testimony to tell.

The cover story, is two fold featuring our Harvest service and Cultural Evening whereby food is donated and brought into a service of thanksgiving all donations are given to worthy causes in the community. Our annual Cultural evening, is always lively and vibrant. I will not let you in on too much let 2014 be the year you attend and represent your country of origin.

Can I ask all those with smartphones or tablets a favour? Can you download an app called Chirp. The icon should look like this....

Its just something I want to try in the near future, trust me.

The Editorial Team Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Read his inspiring testimony on page 6

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LNEWS

OUR Spiritual MOTHER Once again it’s a God Given Honour to be sharing this Greeting with all the readers of this our newsletter.

I share a special Spring time greeting with our Wonderful Bishop Alvin Blake the Elders and the Membership of the church.

Spring is a season of new beginnings and the commemoration of our Lord and Saviour in His death and resurrection.. An encouraging word to you all.. With Christ “WE CAN LIVE AGAIN” Let the Spring time in your life be one of renewal, as the season progresses.

Let your desire be Renewed vigour, renewed thinking, as with the springtime bulbs, fresh flowers, new lambs, and the hens with their baby chicks.

God bless the Editorial team and each and every individual who will view and read this newsletter.

I bring much love to you

Mother A. Blake

GREETINGS FROM MOTHER A. BLAKE NEWS IN BRIEF

You are more than welcome to join us at our Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services.

Please note also, our District Meeting from Friday 28th - Sunday 30th March 2014. See page 5 for further details. Attached to this physical copy of LNEWS is a card to give to family and friends inviting them to the aforementioned. Please don’t keep it for yourself.

Rhonlie Byam Update: He has had the operation of his second leg and is doing very well.

His story in LNEWS has gone viral at his school and the hospital where he was treated.

Please keep praying for him, we may well have a part 2 to his testimony. We will keep you posted.

CAUTIOUS NOTE:

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

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3

COVER STORY

HARVEST SERVICE

E

very year we hold a Harvest service and a Cultural evening. We are featuring highlights from both in this issue.

needy in the community.

The service is always one of thanksgiving. The great hymn, which causes us to reflect “All good gifts around us” is often sung.

We share prayers of thanks.

Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields so likewise the people of our church gather food from home and bring it to church. It is always stipulated that all food must be in date.

Harvest is a gathering of blessing from one to another.

The reason for this is clear, after the service the food is gathered and distributed to the

O

AND CULTURAL EVENING

ur Cultural Evenings have been a great success The evenings usually consist of prayers introductions and greetings in various languages over the years, enjoyed by all who attend. along with poems, recitals and songs of the The Cultural Evenings are held annually and is a countries represented and a parade of the dress wonderful way to share in the language, dress and clothing of that particular culture. and cuisine from different parts of the world.

The evening always ends with a sampling of the different cuisine and foods of any given country.

We are always blessed to have a good turn out, as you know the countries of the world are vast and many, and should any of our readership wish to contribute with countries from the far east, the arabic countries etc. it would be a pleasure to have you share with us and represent your country with any special information and unusual facts that we would find interesting.

We will provide you with information and the date for this year’s special evening. We look forward to sharing and sampling the culinary delights with you to make our annual event bigger and better..

All of our members, friends and readership of our newsletter are welcome to contribute and bring ideas that will be refreshing and interesting...

A great event, with great insights and a great learning experience..

See you all at the next one, knowing that your input will ensure great success!

“Auf Wiedersehen, Au Revoir, Kwaheri, Oh dahboh” 4

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LNEWS

Friday 28th Ma rch - Sunday 3 0

th March 2014

Scan to add this even t to your calender

L U T O N A S S E M B LY A N N UA L D I S T R I C T MEETING

c i p To

Host Pastor: Bishop Alvin Blake

127 Dunstable Road Luton • Beds • LU1 1BW

EASTER SERVICES

YOU ARE WARMLY WELCOME TO OUR:

Good Friday Service

18th April 2014 at 11:00AM

Easter Sunday Service 20th April 2014 at 11:00AM

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Our discussions are based on experiences we encounter in our daily lives.

We focus on how to become good citizens, good neighbours and how to develop a strong spiritual life.

CALLING ALL MEN “COME LET US REASON TOGETHER” It’s not a Membership Club therefore no Membership Fee Payable.

We meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month here at COGIC HQ, Luton.

LNEWS

We have deep discussions on issues that can and do affect a Christian’s life. We share views on how to avoid certain situations and how to overcome them. How to be better Husbands, better Fathers, and better Brothers. I am my brother’s keeper, thus our responsibilities as men for the care and protection of one’s family.

In Men’s Fellowship there is no formality!! Our discussions are usually lively and informative and based exclusively on Christian morals, 1st Corinthians 5: V 17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

One is never too old to learn. In Men’s Fellowship we learn from one another by sharing our different thoughts experiences. So don’t keep it all to yourself!! Come and share with us, man shall not live by bread alone, and who knows you may even learn something new!! Come and join us support our Men’s Fellowship.

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

5

KNOWING YOU BOTHER JOSEPH TORO JACOBSON MR SHARP DRESSER LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian?

BJTJ : I have been a Christian for 9 Years LNEWS: How were you converted?

BJTJ : I visited COGIC Luton Assembly in the year of 2004 and Bishop Blake preached a sermon about being born again and my heart was touched I responded to the altar call and I gave my heart to The Lord LNEWS: Are You Married with Children?

BJTJ : I am married and I have 5 Children LNEWS: Do you have Grandchildren?

BJTJ : I have no grandchildren as yet LNEWS: Is your family involved in Church life?

BJTJ: One of my daughters attend church regularly and my mother recently gave her heart to The Lord LNEWS You are known for your sharp dressing, do you have a favourite suit?

BJTJ : Yes I am a sharp dresser, I dress to give the honour and respect due to Almighty God, all of my suits are my favourite 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 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 BJTJ: Simply a 10.

HERE IS A TESTIMONY OF MY LIFE

I

give Thanks to Almighty God who is the source and strength of my life, I reverence the Holy Spirit. I give God thanks for my Pastor, Bishop Alvin Blake, Mother Blake, the Elders and saints of God. My name is Joseph Brian Toro Jacobson.

I was born in Manchester 1958, getting baptised in 2005, was the greatest moment of my life and I haven’t looked back. It has not been easy, but God is the strength of my life.

In 2004 my wife’s mother died and my wife was looking for a pentecostal church to worship in, I remember the day very clearly, we disagreed because of her decision, simply because I was not brought up in a Christian home. I did go with her to the COGIC’s Luton Assembly, and on that Sunday I was truly overwhelmed by the Praise Team and the choir. I come from a Jewish background born and raised, so Praising God was

5

Brother Joseph’s baptism in 200

new to me. I didn’t have the mind to Worship God, in annoyance I was about to leave the service without my wife, and just at that time I heard Bishop Alvin Blake preaching a sermon on being born again, it blew me away and I gave my heart to the Lord and the rest is history.

When I was in the world and partaking in the activities, I was never contented, going to parties, drinking, smoking and getting drunk, I am so Glad “I AM SAVED” To add to my joy, My Mother being an Orthodox Jew has recently accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour.

God has brought me from a Mighty long way and I will never forget where I am coming from, I used to dress to go the clubs and its an honour to dress sharply to be in the presence of God Almighty.

I have been through many trials, and very challenging times, which has included a very tragic bereavement and Praise be unto Almighty

God, My Healer and Deliverer I am still standing.

Before becoming a Christian I was shy and aggressive and also suffered with a speech impediment, I was always swearing, but through the grace and mercy of God I have received boldness to stand in Church and testify of God’s goodness.

An encouraging word to those who are thinking of accepting Jesus Christ into their lives, there is most definitely fullness of joy in serving God. I will always honour and praise God in and out of season for what he has done for me and about to do. As for my dress sense, there is a greater dress code, God promises to give us a “Garment” of praise for the spirit of heaviness. May Almighty God bless you all and may his light shine upon you. Amen..

Brother Joseph Jacobson

God bless you Brother Joseph for your time and encouragement.

6

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LNEWS

AUXILIARY SERVICES IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND ANY THE MEETINGS SEE THE AUXILIARY LEADER OR CHURCH SECRETARY FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Remember to Pray For

BIBLE STUDIES & PRAYER MEETING

NEW BELIEVERS & DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES

Bible Study and Prayer is held every

The class is held on

Prayer does change things so please remember to pray for those on the list below.

The LNEWS team always need your prayers.

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.

Bro. Palmer Sis. Cyrus Sis. Gardener Bro. Trotman Deacon Hunter Sis. Jenny Wilson Derek Spalding Rhonlie Byam Elder Everton Blake Sis. Edwards Bro. Joseph Toro Jacobson Bro. Wilton Keddo

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

Lead 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 SATURDAY OF THE MONTH BETWEEN 8:00AM - 10:00AM

Lead by Brother Edward King

YOUTH MEETING

Youth Group Activities Such As:

Lead by Mother A. Blake

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.

“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.

LNEWS

Anything to Celebrate Birthdays 1st March - Sis. Valeeta Smith 9th March - Kneo Charles 19th March - Sis. Sandra Montrose 29th March - Sis. Katrice Russell 31st March - Sis. Veleta Chambers 14th April - Sis. Shahnee Parkin 16th April - Sis. Pauline Jarvis

SUNDAY SCHOOL

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

Lead by Elder Paul Quintion

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.

Lead by Missionary Eluria Morgan © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Just a thought Saying “Thank You” can make a HUGE difference 7

Local Meetings: Friday 14th March 2014 Friday 7th March 2014 Saturday 8th March 2014 Friday 28th March 2014 Friday 21st March 2014 28th - 30th March 2014 Friday 11th April 2014 Saturday 12th April 2014 Friday 18th April 2014 Sunday 20th April 2014 Friday 25th April 2014

CHURCH NOTICES Men’s Fellowship Tarrying Service Women’s Fellowship Men’s Fellowship Tarrying Service Luton District Annual Meeting - Topic: Not By Bread Alone - Host Pastor: Bishop Alvin Blake Men’s Fellowship Women’s Fellowship Good Friday Service Easter Sunday Service Men’s Fellowship

Start Time 8:00pm 10:00pm 8:00am 8:00pm 10:00pm 8:00pm 8:00am 11:00am 11:00am 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 1st March 2014 Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th March 2014 Friday 11th - Sunday 13th April 2014 Friday 18th - Sunday 20th April 2014 Saturday 27th April 2014

National Sunday School Conference - Missionary Fenty Annual Mission Conference - Theme “Souls First: Populating Heaven & Depopulating Hell” - Missionary St Louis National Women’s Retreat Shires District Annual Meeting - Superintendent Patrick Chadwell Heath Assembly meeting

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

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