Issue2

S IS UE No

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

:2

C O G I C - UK

A S S E M B L Y

email: lnews@cogic.co.uk

November – December 2013

Our Youth Awards WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

Inside:

Greetings from Bishop Alvin Blake

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Cover Story Luton’s Youth Awards

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Christmas In Luton

Photograph courtesy of Youth Department ©2013

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Testimony from Rhonlie Byam

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Knowing You with Deacon Nigel Blackman

Plus more

The COGIC UK Access To

Website Complimentary Issue

COGIC UK National Youth President Pastor Stephen Nelson Awarding Kadeem Maddix a Certificate of Excellence

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: 2

A bi-monthly newsletter Copyright © 2013 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

lessed Autumn Season to one and all

Phew! We got the first issue out of the way and here is issue two. All the feedback so far has been good apart from one thing and we have rectified that. Here are some statistics from the online version: • •

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

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

CHRISTMAS IN LUTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Indirect readers (called impressions) i.e. via a blogging site like Facebook etc and the cogic.co.uk website, 580 Readers.

Viewed in: UK, USA, Canada, Jamaica and this one surprised us Hungary, yes Hungary. What can say we have gone international. But does it stop there No! We want to conquer the world so keep spreading the word about your church.

We have had some great article ideas , and for those who have contributed watch this space.

It has to be said the intention of this newsletter is to inform,to get to know each other better, to communicate what we are doing and most important of all to give God the glory.

Please continue to support us in prayer, suggestions, contributions and constructive feedback. It’s your newsletter and a vehicle to the world.

COMPUTER ADVICE PART 1 . . . . . . . . . . 5

YOUTH CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

A cup cake recipe from Dorinda Jacobs

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

Deacon Nigel Blackman tells us about himself and ushering.

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

In “Knowing You”

Deacon Nigel Blackman (Head Usher)

In this issue we have our beloved Deacon Blackman answering questions. I do have the pleasure of working with him and he is a very hard man to track down. How did we do it?

Well! put it this way I had to put on my running shoes...

We also have a cup cake recipe so where’s my apron? A wonderful testimony and more.

“Remember to Pray For”

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

Luton’s Youth Awards.

The basics of backing up your files

In Knowing You Mother Merna Ellis Cooking up a storm

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

A TESTIMONY FROM RHONLIE BYAM . . . . 5

Cover Story

The Luton Choir

OUR PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Greetings from Bishop Alvin Blake.

Read via the www.issuu.com website by 189 Readers.

We have some computer advice for you. That box sat in the corner with the screen on top of it or that laptop you carry around needs love and attention. You also need to back up your data just in case your hard drive crashes or gets viruses.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

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CONTENT

Anyway I’m telling you too much, Enjoy.

The Editorial Team Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

See his exciting interview on page 6 LNEWS

OUR PASTOR I

n this continuing season of Autumn I give God thanks for his love and mercy through which he has allowed us the blessing of the second edition of our bi monthly Newsletter.

The Autumn season is a time when the trees shed their leaves and as a people we shed layers, the foxes find holes, and certain birds migrate all in preparation for the cold winter months and the new birth of springtime.

Our first edition has been gratefully received and fully appreciated by the readership both here and abroad.

I pray that the newsletter will be a wonderful tool for evangelism, with many life changing testimonies, profiles of our leaders and members alike and items of interest and tips for modern everyday living...ie. cake making , computer problems.. etc.

Our times are in God’s hands and we are secure therein.

Let us trust him and allow his mercies and grace to lead and guide us May God Almighty bless the dedication of the editorial team, officers, members and bless as many readers as possible to share with us.

Enjoy this season as God takes us through.

Bishop Blake

GREETINGS FROM BISHOP ALVIN BLAKE NEWS IN BRIEF Christmas is coming, are your ready? Remember to buy us a pressie.

Carol Thompson was elevated to District Missionary for the Luton District. If you remember Carol gave her testimony in the first issue of LNEWS regarding her weight loss. Well done on both counts and God bless.

District Missionary Carol Thompson, (yes her again!) held a Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning and raised £158.20.

Luton Assembly recently hosted the COGIC UK National Women’s Convention whose topic was “It’s Time To Grow Up” wow! It was good. I’m sure it made a lot of us reflect.

Deacon Hunter and Brother Trotman are both doing fine. Thank you for your prayers.

LNEWS

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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My

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Photographs courtesy of Youth Department ©2013

dd ix

COVER STORY - LUTON’S YOUTH AWARDS

Recognising Excellence

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n 20th September 2013, the children and young people of COGIC Luton were recognised for their hard work and achievements over the last year.

In our 2nd Annual Young People of Excellence Awards we celebrated those who have done well in sport, music, personal achievements and academics.

The purpose of the evening, which was attended by Bishop Blake and the National Youth President, Pastor Nelson, is to encourage our young people to strive for a spirit of excellence in all areas of their lives. We want all the young people connected with our church to know that we love and support them.

Our Keynote speaker was author and business woman, Sis Chantelle Gillespie (COGIC Moseley), who shared with us the way God spoke to her and used her to write her first book and set up her own business. This young woman is truly inspiring, in what you can achieve when you allow God to use you.

Bishop Blake presented the awards for overall excellence, sponsored by individual members and auxiliaries within the church. The award for overall Excellence in Sport went to Kadeem Maddix, who has been voted Sports Personality of the Year at his school for three consecutive years. Myles Maddix was awarded the

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he Christmas Season in our assembly is always vibrant and full with lots to do. We are always busy each year with our Christmas play which is produced, directed and stars our Sunday School and Youth department. The children receive gifts for their time and hard work throughout the year in both departments, and the teachers and assistants get a well earned rest! We Look forward to seeing so many more of you all this year from Newsletter land, coming to join us and enjoy the season and our play.

Our Carol singing service is usually held on a Wednesday night and is often well attended. Throughout this time of year we join with local charities to assist with food for the food banks and the homeless shelters.

Members of our choir sometimes minister in song in our local airport.

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overall Excellence Award for Music. The award for Personal Excellence went to Rhonlie Byam, who has been very courageous in overcoming difficulty. Even on the night he showed he is a great testimony to us all. Crystal Cunningham, who is already exceeding targets expected for her age was presented with the award for Academic Excellence.

The final award, The Young Person of Excellence, which is voted for by staff in the YPWW, was a closely fought competition. Katrice Russell and Jordan Quinton were both given commendation medals for their work, evangelising to other young people.

However, the overall Young Person of Excellence for 2013 was awarded to Sinead Montrose for her continued hard work in many auxiliaries within the local church, her example and life as a young Christian and her work within the Young People’s department.

We give God thanks for the way in which this Awards Ceremony has grown in just two years. We pray that it will continue to be a fixture of the youth calendar and that next year it will be bigger and better. We serve a God of excellence which He has breathed into each of us. I ask that you continue to pray for, encourage and celebrate our young people as they continue to grow and develop into Young People of Excellence for God.

By Patricia Morrison

CHRISTMAS IN LUTON On Christmas morning we have a celebratory service for our membership and community.

For the past five years or so our Church leadership team have hosted a Christmas dinner for families and friends in and outside of the church. Remembering that sometimes individuals are alone at this time of the year and the joy of company makes all the difference. We have a lovely meal, music and entertainment and the freedom of not slaving over a hot turkey... And on New Year’s Eve we have a Watch Night Service, usually followed by a musical feast.

We are now in preparation for this exciting time of year, with our primary focus on the reason for the season which is the memorial of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WE all enjoy the gifts, the extra food, fun and the excitement, yet in all of this we have received the greatest gift to this world which is Jesus Christ and his saving grace.

Meet you at Christmas!

e’s more her r e h t d n A t es Toge

rch on Chu The Lut ts: Presen

g Luton n i m r o f s Tran s Event Christma 3 mber 201

th Dece Sunday 8 :00pm At 6

LNEWS

MY TESTIMONY - BY RHONLIE BYAM

My name is Rhonlie Byam, I was born and raised in Luton, my birth date is 6th September 1998. I am the first son of my mother Rhonda Byam, (who I am named after) and the fourth child of my dad Paget (aka Byam). At 2 years old I became seriously ill, I was taken to many doctors and they couldn’t diagnose what was wrong. It was first thought I was asthmatic, but it wasn’t so. I was also gaining weight rapidly.

On Christmas Day 2000, I was very ill again and I remember receiving a fire truck as a Christmas present and was unable to play with it. On Boxing Day my illness got worse and I was rushed to my local hospital and eventually to Great Ormond Street Hospital. I was hooked to a machine, monitored and tested and the source of my illness, still could not be found.

A sleep study and an x-ray was arranged, it was found I had an enlarged heart, and problems with my tonsils. I was in hospital for 2 and a half months.

Computer Advice Part 1

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he hard drive inside your computer which stores all of your important documents and treasured photographs, is a mechanical device and can stop working at any time or could be wiped clean with a virus. Make sure you back it up. I don’t mean just press the SAVE button in your spreadsheet or word-processing program, I mean copy your files somewhere other than your computer like an external hard drive, USB drive, network attached storage (NAS) or In the Cloud.

Lets look at each of these: External Hard Drives can be connected to your computer via the USB port. The tip here is to get a drive that is at least twice the capacity of the hard drive in your computer, that way you can have multiple backups.

Also at 2 years old the doctors discovered I had abnormal legs. Having a passion for sport especially football, I played until my legs became worse, giving up football was very difficult.

A few years later I met a doctor who would change my life forever, he told me that he could fix my legs through surgery. I had the first surgery on 27th June 2013, going to theatre was scary having to say goodbye to my family. My mum was with me all the time, I awoke from the operation in pain. Thanking God My right leg is straight and gets stronger daily with physio. I look forward to surgery to straighten my left leg.

Please pray for me.

Update

Rhonlie is now in the last recognition stage with his first leg and awaits an operation to the other leg on the 9th January 2014.

The basics oF backing up your files several computers can share the same storage device. A laptop and a desktop can be backed up to a NAS. Also music, videos and photos can be shared from a NAS.

Youth Corner

Cup cake recipe by Dorinda Jacobs You will need: 2 eggs 100g self raising flour 100g caster sugar 100g butter A bowl Cup cake cases A tray

Cloud computing is not a new concept but it is becoming a very popular technology. This is where you sign up to a service and you are able to store files located on the internet. Some service providers offer this for free up to a certain capacity. It’s a good way Method: to share with others that are not in the same vicinity.

• Another good reason for backups is when you have • deleted a file, emptied your recycle bin and you •

realise you wanted it, you can retrieve the file from • a backup.

USB Drives are good for transporting files but they can get lost, be put in a washing machine, break or get stolen so avoid having the only copy of important files on one.

A lot of computer operating systems have backup software incorporated. You just need to locate it on your computer and activate it or you can a get third party program. Once set up, most of these programs automate the process for you, taking the worry away.

Network Attached Storage or NAS for short is connected to your network more likely via your broadband router. The advantage of this is that

Start getting into the habit of backing up your • computer on a regular basis and avoid the • disappointment of lost file(s).

LNEWS

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

• • • •

Pre heat the oven to gas mark 4 180°C/350°F First crack 2 eggs into a bowl.

Secondly weigh some self raising flour up to 100g, pour it into the bowl.

Next weigh some sugar up to 100g, pour it into the bowl.

Then weigh some butter up to 100g,pour it into the bowl.

After that mix until all the lumps have gone.

After which put the cup cake cases onto a tray.

Once you’ve done that put the mixture into the cup cake cases.

Afterwards put the cup cakes into the oven for 15 mins.

Finally eat and enjoy your cup cakes.

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Photographs courtesy of Rhonda Byam ©2013

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he Highest Praise To God, and many Thanks to Bishop, Mother Blake, The Church, My family and everyone for their support and care.

KNOWING YOU DEACON NIGEL BLACKMAN TELLS US ABOUT HIMSELF AND USHERING LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian?

Deacon Blackman: I have been a Christian for 32 years.

LNEWS: If you can remember how were you converted?

Deacon Blackman: A Friend spoke to me so enthusiastically about becoming a Christian and through their witness and genuine concern that is when I made my decision.

LNEWS: Are You Married with Children?

Deacon Blackman: I am Married to Deaconess Angela Blackman and have three lovely children, Kieran, Kimmy and Yasmin.

LNEWS: Are your family also involved in Church life?

Deacon Blackman: My wife is involved in Church life.

LNEWS: In brief how would you describe your Christian life?

Deacon Blackman: My Christian Life is very enjoyable and at times pressing, but its a good life and definitely wonderful.

LNEWS: You have dual roles, firstly in your role as Deacon what does that involve?

Deacon Blackman: I serve on the Deacon’s Board and in my role as a Deacon I am required to serve at the communion table, deliver sermons, to moderate and lead church services along with the general welfare, care and upkeep of the church building.

LNEWS: How long have you been in your role as Deacon, to the nearest year?

Deacon Blackman: I have been a Deacon roughly for about 23 years.

LNEWS: What has been your toughest life trial to date?

Deacon Blackman: I would say the miscarriages my wife suffered prior to having our first born, our wonderful son Kieran. It was a very painstaking challenge, after having our son we were then blessed to have our twin daughters.. God Almighty surely is a deliverer.

LNEWS: I know that there are many but Do you have a special memory of being a Deacon, one in particular?

Deacon Blackman: I do.

Please reveal...

Deacon Blackman: One of my special memories whilst serving as a Deacon, I can recall is helping a lady into the church whilst pregnant and I became the Godfather to her child.

LNEWS: In your role as Head Usher, what does this role involve?

Deacon Blackman: I enjoy my role as Head Usher, it requires great organisational skills as well as maximum co-operation.

I myself greet, meet the people that attend and visit the church. I show and escort people to their seats, collection of the offering(s). The organisational skills are used mostly when I have to cater for large meetings and bring ushers together from other assemblies.

LNEWS: How long have you been the Head Usher in the Luton Assembly?

Deacon Blackman: I have been the Head Usher for about 15 Years.

LNEWS: Again I know there are many, please recall a special memory as Head Usher..

Deacon Blackman: This is not a memory as such.. But As Head Usher a very special duty that I love and cherish is being the Bishop’s driver.

LNEWS: What are your recommendations in being a Deacon and Head Usher?

Deacon Blackman: In both roles you have to take charge be friendly, kind, a real people person, selfless, and have a good listening ear. I would recommend both roles because helping others brings Glory to God’s name.

LNEWS: I know you are a very very active person, Do you rest?

Deacon Blackman: I hardly ever take any rest, I rest when I am feeling very ill and unable to carry out my duties.

LNEWS: What is your leisure of choice, if any?

Deacon Blackman: Supporting my football team, the mighty Liverpool and watching the TV when I can. I like Home & Away and Neighbours, been watching since the 1980’s.. don’t tell anyone - lol LNEWS: Which role do you prefer, if any?

Deacon Blackman: I dont really prefer either role..... both are rewarding.

LNEWS: If you have a preference, why?

Deacon Blackman: Again, its an honour to do both roles, which are similar to each other, yet very different.

Deacon Nigel Blackman at his surprise 50th birthday party.

How did they keep that a secret?

LNEWS: One line of encouragement from you to our readers.....

Deacon Blackman: My line of encouragement would be.. “The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away”.

LNEWS: On a scale of 1-10 how have you enjoyed this brief interview? •• 1. is I dont really like interviews and 10. is most enjoyable (would do it again!)

Deacon Blackman: I enjoyed the Interview very much so a 10.

Thank you Deacon Blackman for your time and encouragement.

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© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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 Sister Cyrus Sister Gardener Brother Trotman Deacon Hunter Sister Jenny Wilson Derek Spalding Rhonlie Byam Elder Everton Blake Sister Edwards Sister Carol Cunningham 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 2nd November - Sis. Annette Chard-Patrick 4th November - Sis. Merla Wright 5th November - Sis. Lynnis Abbey 7th November - Sis. Barbra Jacobs 9th November - Sis. Maureen Stephens 18th November - Elder Everton Blake 19th November - Evangelist Nova Wilson 27th November - Deaconess Angela Blackman 28th November - Sis. Denise Kerr 29th November - Sis. Pauline Young 29th November - Sis. Patricia Young 30th November - Sis. Marcia Morrison 9th December - Bro. Michael Jarvis 10th December - Bro. Barry Morrison 21st December - Missionary Minnette Quinton 21st December - Bro. Colin Payne 28th December - Bro. Dorrell Thompson

Just a thought

CH__CH Church is empty unless

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CHURCH NOTICES Local Meetings: Friday 8th November 2013 Saturday 9th November 2013 Sunday 10th November 2013 Friday 22nd November 2013

Start Time Men’s Fellowship.

8:00pm Women’s Fellowship.

8:00am Remembrance Sunday. We will be remembering all the church soldiers and labourers who have passed on. 11:00am Men’s Fellowship.

8:00pm

Sunday 8th December 2013 Friday 13th December 2013 Saturday 14th December 2013 Wednesday 25th December 2013 Friday 27th December 2013 Tuesday 31st December 2013

The Luton Churches Together Presents Transforming Luton Christmas Event.

Men’s Fellowship.

Women’s Fellowship.

Christmas Morning Service.

Men’s Fellowship.

Watch Night Service.

6:00pm 8:00pm 8:00am 11:00am 8:00pm 9:00pm

National Meetings: Fri. 8th - Sun. 10th November 2013 COGIC Harlesden Assembly Thanksgiving.

Saturday 23rd November 2013 Ministers meeting.

See church secretary for further details regarding the above

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.