Welcome On behalf of the National Association Women of the Church of God (NAWCG) leadership team, welcome to our 2018 Convention here in the wonderful, historic city of Birmingham. The national board, working together with Sis. Dora Drake, the president of the Alabama State Women and our local sisters in Christ have prayed, fasted and worked diligently to ensure that we are “Ready To Serve.” Now that you’ve made the sacrifice to come don’t let anything prevent you from enjoying the worship, fellowship and edification opportunitites that God has provided through the preachers, workshops and activities. Finally, It is my prayer that you leave having been refreshed and renewed and ready to embrace the challenge of Discipleship! Your Co-Worker in Christ
Madelin Dargan President
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of the CHURCH OF GOD P.O. Box 357 West Middlesex PA 16159 (724) 528-1340 www.nacog.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rev. Miki Merritt Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Charles J. Myricks, Jr. Chief Operating & Development Officer Rev. Clifton McDowell Vice Presiding Elder Rev. James L. Brown, Sr. Chief Financial Officer Rev. Sharon Price
Chair, Home Owners Assoc.
September 27, 2018 To: Sis. Madelin Dargan, President, The Board of Directors, Members, Delegates and Guests of The National Association Women of the Church of God. Greetings Friends, Welcome to beautiful Birmingham, Alabama. The NAWCG has long been a foundational ministry in the overall work of the National Association. We celebrate the convening of the 2018 Convention of the NAWCG. We rejoice in the knowledge that this meeting will be an inspirational and encouraging time of worship and fellowship. The theme, “Ready to Serve; Gifted, Prepared, and Endowed for Discipleship”, continues to build upon the national focus of increasing engagement in discipleship across the nation. We thank the Lord for Sis. Dargan and the WCG Board of Directors who have worked so diligently to prepare and produce this convention. We look forward to worshipping with you. You are in our prayers. We are better together! In His Service,
Rev. Dr. Miki Merritt Presiding Elder
P.O Box 357 410 Campground Road West Middlesex, PA 16159 (724) 528-1340 Phone (724) 528-2708 – Fax www.nacog.com
Rev. Dr. Charles Myricks, Jr. Chief Operating & Development Officer
Elder Donna Roddy, Advisor
Alabama Host Committee Sis. Dora Drake, Alabama State Co-Chair & WCG President Sis. Geneva Irby, Alabama State Co-Chair Elder Dr. James I. Marshall, D. Div., State Chairperson Sis. Laura Stephens, Senior Greeter
Sis. Luci Irby, Medical
Sis. Arzella Watkins, Senior Greeter
Min. Betty Moore, Prayer Ministry
Sis. Viola Davis, Hostess Co-Committee Leader
Pastor Betty Prince, Prayer Ministry
Sis. Bessie Smith, Hostess Co-Committee Leader
Sis. Sandra Abner, Prayer Ministry
Sis. Rochelle Young, Office
Sis. Earnestine Carmichael, Workshop Assistant
Sis. Jill Simpson, Co-Registrar
Sis. Kathy Effinger, Workshop Assistant
Sis. Shirley Reid, Co-Registrar
Sis. Gloria Yelder, Tour Coordinator
Sis. Gail Guyton, Event DĂŠcor
Sis. Cheryl Smith, Finance
Alabama State Church of God
Elder Dr. James I. Marshall, D. Div. State Chair-person Dora Drake WCG President September 27, 2018
Welcome National Association Women of the Church of God! : The Lord our God is wonderful; He is magnificent! He has created all things and all things are beautiful. He has provided this beautiful time of celebration for our abundant blessings! This 2018 NAWCG Convention, held in our great state of Alabama, is an honor, a privilege, a memorable occasion! We are confident that those attending will experience spiritual renewal and depart empowered to serve with excellence. When women get together with God in the midst, the phenomenal takes place! We welcome you to enjoy every facet of this convention as well as the loving hospitality and fellowship of the saints. We are very glad that you have come! If there is anything that we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please ask. We will do our best to accommodate your request. On behalf of the Alabama State Women of the Church of God, you are welcome! In His service,
Dora Drake Dora Drake and Geneva Irby, State Co-Chair-Persons 2018 Biennial Convention – National Association Women of the Church of God
Alabama State Church of God
Elder Dr. James I. Marshall, D. Div. State Chair-person September 27, 2018
Welcome National Association Women of the Church of God! The Alabama State Church of God is delighted to host this grand event of fellowship, worship, and the Word! It is a glorious gathering when God’s people can meet and fellowship together in the unity of the Spirit. We are honored that you chose Alabama to host this inspirational event. It is an honor to welcome public officials, friends, and the saints – especially women. Women are an equal part of the Kingdom of God; therefore, from the brothers and I of this assembly, we honor and support you and the invaluable service that you render throughout the United States and across the world. Our resolve is, ‘where women labor, we undergird’. If there is a task that we can manage on your behalf, you need only ask. We are here! My confidence is in the Lord that we are going to let our light shine through prayers, attendance, participation, and support in this convention and that we will shine brighter after having been here – making our world a better place because God’s people give light in dark places.
James I. Marshall
In Christian service,
State Board of Elders Pastor Dr. John Jackson, Pastor Julia White, Pastor Betty Turner, Pastor Donald Irby, Pastor Kervin Jones
Alabama State Church of God
Elder Dr. James I. Marshall, D. Div. Elder Donald R. Irby Chairman, Northern District Church of God September 27, 2018
I gladly welcome you to the 2018 National Association Women of the Church of God Annual Convention. The NAWCG encourages the building of relationships and networks to remain effective in helping others. Coming together for events such as this provides a great opportunity to be strengthened, energized and connected. We are fortunate as the Northern District Church of God in the state of Alabama to host this great convention. It is my sincere hope that you will receive all of the blessings and benefits of this occasion.
Elder Donald R. Irby
Donald R. Irby
Chairman, Northern District Church of God
NAWCG Statement The National Association Women of the Church of God (est. 1917) are Christian women united across the United States (including members from Atlantic & Caribbean countries and Kenya) to honor God and celebrate one another. A NAWCG woman is proud of her culture and heritage. She appreciates the deep, rich legacy that is the inheritance of her foremothers. Looking into the past she’s able to see The Hand of God moving on the hearts of the women who have founded and have sacrificed for the National Association of the Church of God and NAWCG ministry. We, along with our partner in ministry, are committed to “Embracing the Opportunities” that God gives us at every stage of our lives with “Courage, Faith and Love.” NAWCG women have the COURAGE to embrace whatever circumstances God has presented to us knowing that all things are orchestrated by God for our good and His Glory. NAWCG women have FAITH through every life stage and challenge trusting in the Lord’s Promise that He will be with us and we will not be overcome but are overcomers. Finally, LOVE is the most important of the mandates for every ministry. If we don’t have love when approaching our life and ministry, then all our labor will be in vain. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
Our Mission Statement To foster Christian Sisterhood;
To encourage Spiritual Life Development and Renewal; To promote the practice of Christian Stewardship; To actively participate in Outreach Ministries; To inform ourselves of Worldwide Issues and Mission Concern; To Encourage, Equip and Empower Women to live out the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Benefits of NAWCG Fellowship We promote healthy fellowship; We support Church of God Women’s Groups; We promote love for others; We develop strong leaders; We provide avenues that tap into the potential of all women.
Contact Information Feel Free to call us - we have a toll free line! (844) MY-NAWCG / (844) 696-2924 Extension 0- General Information Extension 1- Membership Extension 2- P.U.S.H. Prayer Ministry Website: www. nawcg.org
Extension 3- Wimbish Benn Hall Facebook: NAWCG
https://www.facebook.com/WestMiddlesexPA Join Us For Prayer NAWCG P.U.S.H. Ministry -Pray Until Something Happens 1st Monday of Every Month 9:00 PM EST/ 8:00 PM CST (605) 475- 4800 Access Code: 876820#
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Registration ..................................................................................................................... Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
Thursday, September 27, 2018 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Registration ..................................................................................................................... Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
08:00 PM – 06:30 PM
Vendors Open .......................................................................................................................................Ballroom 1
04:00 PM – 05:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal ................................................................................Dr. Joyce A. Terry - Ballroom 3 & 4
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Evening Worship .......................................Reverend Earlene Prince, Speaker - Ballroom 3 & 4
09:00 AM – 09:30 PM
Registration ..................................................................................................................... Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
09:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Vendors Open .......................................................................................................................................Ballroom 1
Friday, September 28, 2018 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM
Early Prayer ........................................................................... Reverend Lori Woodmore - Ballroom 11
08:00 AM – 08:30 AM
Registration ..................................................................................................................... Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
08:30 AM – 09:45 AM
Morning Worship ..............................Reverend Saundra McNeese, Speaker - Ballroom 3 & 4
09:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Vendors Open .......................................................................................................................................Ballroom 1
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Registration ..................................................................................................................... Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
ALL THE CONFERENCES ARE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE FORUM BUILDING 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Conference #1 ....... “The Women on Paul’s Journey: Empowerment for Today’s Women” Reverend Shelli Johnson (Room A) Conference #2 ...........“Put a Ring on It: Exploration of the Ministry of Reconciliation” Dr. Kenya Ayers (Room B) Conference #3 ................................................................................. “The Road to Financial Freedom” Sister Catherine Armstrong (Room C)
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Lunch ...................................................................................................................................................................................
01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
THE AFTERNOON CONFERENCE: SAME LEADERS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS LISTED ABOVE.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Friday, September 28, 2018 (Continued) 03:30 PM – 04:30 PM
NAWCG Business Meeting ....................................................................................................... Ballroom 12
05:00 PM – 06:45 PM
Choir Rehearsal ............................................................................. Dr. Joyce A. Terry - Ballroom 3 & 4
07:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Evening Worship ........................... Reverend Dr. Ty’wanna Estell, Speaker - Ballroom 3 & 4
08:30 PM – 09:30 PM
Registration ....................................................................................................................Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
Saturday, September 29, 2018 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM
Early Prayer..........................................................................Reverend Lori Woodmore - Ballroom 11
08:00 AM – 08:30 AM
Registration ....................................................................................................................Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
08:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Prayer Breakfast...................................... Reverend Mary Stephens, Speaker - Ballroom 3 & 4
09:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Vendors Open ..................................................................................................................................... Ballroom 1
09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Registration ....................................................................................................................Ballroom 3 & 4 Foyer
10:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Local Tours ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Tour Options
Birmingham Civil Rights Museum ($5 64 and older / $10 18-63 years old), Birmingham Negro League Baseball Museum ($2 Donation per person) or Birmingham Bethel Baptist Church ($6 per person) 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Storytelling / Talent Sharing ......................................... Reverend Linda Braggs - Ballroom 11
03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Free Time ........................................................................................................................................................................
06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Banquet Celebration ......................... Reverend Charlene Aaron, Speaker – Ballroom 3 & 4
Sunday, September 30, 2018 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM
Early Prayer..........................................................................Reverend Lori Woodmore - Ballroom 11
08:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Morning Worship ............................... Reverend Patricia Dawkins, Speaker - Ballroom 3 & 4
11:00 AM
Hotel Check-out .........................................................................................................................................................
Thursday
Pastor Earlene Prince Pratt City Church of God Birmingham, AL
The Reverend Ms. Earlene Prince is the third of five children born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Being the middle child has not been an easy road but she credits her sustainability to the Lord “not being through with her yet.” Educated in the public school system, she furthered her education by obtaining degrees in English and French and taught high school for more than 10 years in Birmingham. She later moved to Little Rock, AR working for the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette newspaper writing and managing the State News Desk; and being administrative assistant to the Managing Editor. After 14 years, taking her instructions from the Holy Spirit, she returned home and became the primary caretaker for her mother for six years until her death. Pastor Prince has been a laborer for the Lord for more than 30 years as assistant pastor, church musician, Bible Study teacher, evangelist, and pastor. Her zeal for the Lord and His people is only surpassed by her love for the study of His Word and spending time with Him. Pastor Prince is a veteran of the US Army where she excelled in Basic Training and at her permanent duty station in the Military District of Washington. She provided security for various military officials, and national as well as international dignitaries which included: former President Jimmy Carter; former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; both John and Caroline Kennedy; the first black Secretary of the Army, Clifford Alexander; General Alexander Haig; the last five-star General, Omar Bradley; Senator Ted Kennedy; and many more. She has the distinction of being the first, black, female military police investigator for the United States Army; and was also an Intelligence Analyst. Pastor Prince agrees “there are no atheists in foxholes” and she knows the “necessity of any enemy.” Currently, she is Assistant to a Birmingham City Councilor, continues to tutor French and English, and is pastor of the Pratt City Church of God in Birmingham. A warrior for the Lord,
Friday
Reverend Saundra McNeese South Park Church of God Houston, TX
Reverend Saundra has been active in the ministry and mission of the Church of God (Anderson, IN) as an ordained minister and a licensed chaplain of pastoral care. She is the Business Administrator for the Texas State Association of the Church of God and works in her home church, South Park Church of God. She serves as the 1st Vice President for the National Association of Women of the Church of God, West Middlesex. She is a native of East St. Louis, IL but has lived in the Texas area for many years. She was educated in Illinois, Kansas and received her Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Saundra recently retired from the University of Houston after nearly twenty years. She serves on the Board of Directors for a “women in crisis” association in Houston and also as a mentor for women at risk through her work with other congregations and other women centers in the Houston area. She helped to organize 2 twelve-step ministries in the Houston area, served as past Director to a women’s mentoring program “Priscilla’s Lost and Found” that reaches out to women in crisis or transition. She works with the Community of Hope Hospitals and was recently honored by Houston Woman Magazine as its “Evolving Eve Award” recipient during its Annual Women of Distinction. She has one son, Reginald Dwayne, one grandson, DeVon and one great-granddaughter, Brandalynn.
Friday
Dr. Ty’wanna Estell
Pastor, New Life P.O.W.E.R. Ministries Lakeland, FL
With a mind to contribute to society, Dr. Tywanna Estell began working for the public school system of Jacksonville, Florida. She is the daughter of the Late Rev. James Williams Jr. and Rose Lee Williams. She served her father who pastored over forty-five years in various capacities, and devoted her life to serving the Church of God. She is the youngest of six and the only torch barrier of the word. She is an educator at the Kathleen High School, Polk County College and the University of Florida. She has earned her Master’s and Doctorate in Christian Education from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Saddened by a high degree of hardships and misplacement of youth in the inner city, she embarked upon a mission to change the course of the educational process. With the help of her sister, they founded Success Academy in 1992, preparing scholars for leadership from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She is now the Pastor of New Life P.O.W.E.R. Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida. Her vision for the church includes building the VILLAGE of LIFE, which will include a training center for teen parents, elderly day care, transitional housing for veterans, 24 hour youth center and school. She served on many national boards, International Clergy Women Task Force, President and vice-president of the Florida State Association Youth of the Church of God, President of the Southern Interstate Ministries Convention, and Florida State Spiritual Life Director for Women of the Church of God. She is a very devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and serves on the Council of Chaplains. The Doctor is the Chief Operating Officer , of No Compromise Records, a company of which her husband founded, in 2000, where she operates the daily activity. Amazingly she managed to navigate her energy to also work for Grace Entertainment, in the area of artist management. She was the Personal Manager for Gospel recording Artist T’Juan, whose ministry is touring with BET which has been exploding across the country, for seven years. However, to date this young lady is now the Founder of Passionate Priority Innovations the parent Company for Styles by She’Ricka, Passionate Priorities Management, TK Publishing and Passionate Priorities Expressions. She has just collaborated with her four-year-old Grandson, TJ in writing their first children’s book in a series of 24 books entitled, “ My GG and Me” due for a fall release.
Saturday
PRAYER BREAKFAST PREACHER
Pastor Mary Stephens South Side Church of God South Bend, IN
Reverend Mary Stephens is the Senior Pastor at South Side Church of God in South Bend, Indiana. With a heart for justice and a call to serve, Mary believes in the importance of being a welcoming presence in world of exclusion, advocating for overlooked and marginalized people, and championing a life of discipleship and holy living that reects a love for God and neighbor. Mary grew up in Northwest Ohio and graduated from Adrian College (Adrian, Michigan) with majors in Political Science and Psychology. She earned her Master of Divinity from Anderson University School of Theology and her Master of Business Administration from the Falls School of Business. An ordained minister in the Church of God, much of Mary’s professional career was spent at Christian Women Connection where she was a Ministry Coordinator for twelve years. She served women in the Church of God through communications, programming, and leadership. In 2012, she was chosen to be a Hunger Justice Leader through Bread for the World, a collective Christian voice striving to end hunger and home and abroad, and in 2016 she was honored as an Agent of Change by Connect Faith Magazine. Mary lives in Mishawaka, Indiana with her husband Kenneth and son Henry.
Special Guest BANQUET PREACHER
Reverend Charlene Aaron
Christian Broadcasting Network and The 700 Club Reporter Newport News, VI Reverend Charlene Aaron is the wife of Pastor Leon Aaron of First Church of God in Newport News, VA. She is the mother of three beautiful children, Amber, Lee and Charity. She also has one granddaughter, Merci Mae Paxton. She was ordained into the ministry on December 20 2015. She attended Old Dominion University and Elizabeth City State University and majored in English and News Media. At the age of 22 Minister Aaron committed her life to Jesus Christ. With a real passion for evangelism and community transformation, Minister Aaron has served in Africa, as well as here in the U.S. One local outreach project that was dear to her heart was sharing the gospel and coordinating various events for residents in the Diggs Town and Oakleaf Forest Housing Projects in Norfolk, VA. These are communities plagued by poverty, drugs and gang violence. The ministry included providing meals and clothing to single moms and their children and recruiting teens to perform in a gospel centered talent show. There was preaching and teaching and lives were changed after experiencing the love of God. Minister Aaron is a reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network/The 700 Club in Virginia Beach, VA and co-anchor for the CBN News Channel, where she has traveled to many parts of the world. Minister Aaron is passionate about prayer and hosts a weekly prayer conference call for women. She also hosts the CBN News Facebook show “The Prayerlink” as well as her own social media teaching show called, “Saturday Selah.” In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, listening to worship music and spending quality time with her husband and family.
Sunday
Pastor Patricia Dawkins
New Start Covenant of Grace Birmingham, AL Pastor Patricia Harper Dawkins resides in Birmingham Alabama, and for the past 30+ years has been involved in advancing the Kingdom through Teaching, Preaching, Counseling and moving within the giftedness of Prophecy. Reverend Dawkins has a BS in Speech Pathology and a MS in Audiology, both earned at the University of Montevallo. Professionally she has served as an Audiologist, Interior and Exterior Decorator in her own business, FRANCIE’S DESIGN. She presently serves as Office Administrator at Metro Pediatrics PC, owned & operated by her and her husband. She has served in ministry in various capacities including: Vice-President and Secretary of WCG; Choir Director, Youth Director, Tape Ministry; Sunday School Teacher (Youth II-Adolescent, Young Adults); Assistant Church Secretary; Administrative Assistant and is presently the Vice-Chairperson of the Northern District Churches of God . She has preached and conducted workshops throughout the state of Alabama, as well as churches outside of the Church of God Reformation Movement. She has received numerous awards and recognition for leadership and work in the community. She is an ordained minister of the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana. Reverend Patricia H. Dawkins presently serves as Executive Pastor of New Start Covenant of Grace formerly Northside Church of God, Birmingham, Alabama. She has been married to Elder Derrol Dawkins, M.D. since 1979.
The Road to Financial Freedom Catherine Armstrong as a servant of The Most High God, have ministered to
WORKSHOP LEADERS
many small church groups and couples throughout her husband’s tenure in the United States Army to the present using the principles of God’s Word to encourage and teach lifestyle changes as well as stewardship of finances. Catherine Armstrong, an educator of 18 years has taught various grade levels including serving as adjunct professor specializing in Mathematics. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and is a lifelong learner. She is currently serving on the ministerial staff at Langley Ave. Church of God in Chicago Illinois and is a wife of 26 plus years to her wonderful husband Richard Armstrong, a mother of two loving young adults and a proud grandmother.
The Women on Paul’s Journey: Empowerment for Today’s Women LaShelle Shields Johnson is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She is an ordained minister who after 40 years in music ministry facilitates women’s workshops with the goal to encourage and empower women through transformational education. Her passion is to develop emerging leaders, transform communities and to promote peace and reconciliation. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Anderson, University, a Masters of Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is presently working on a Doctorate of Missiology at Fuller. She specializes in Peace Education, Abrahamic Religions, and Social Policy. She is co-author of the book, Changing Her Story: Breaking Barriers to Empower Women to Lead in Life, Leadership and the Church published through Missio-Alliance in 2018. She is married to her husband, Donald. Together they have eight beautiful children, and one grandson.
Put A Ring On It: An Exploration of the Ministry of Reconciliation Dr. Kenya Ayers
WORSHIP LEADER
is currently Vice President and Chair of the Board for the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS). NECSS is a partnership organization which unifies William Rainey Harper College and its three feeder school districts (D211, D214 and D220) in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. As chief executive officer of NECSS, Ayers helms many cutting edge initiatives that were instrumental in Harper’s accomplishments in the area of student success for the K-14 pipeline. Harper College is winner of the 2016 Leah Meyer Austin Award and a 2017 Aspen Prize eligible institution. Dr. Ayers holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Michigan and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She earned a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision from The University of Houston. Ayers was ordained in ministry under the leadership of Apostle Rita J. Johnson.
Dr. Joyce A. Terry is a woman of great faith and is a servant leader. She is the youngest daughter of fifteen children born to Rev. Clarence I. Lee Sr. and the late Betty Jean (Mosley) Lee. She is a graduate of Anderson University (Bachelor of Arts, 1999), Mid-America Christian University (Master of Education, 2007), and recently earned a doctorate from Indiana Wesleyan University (2018).
She is committed to helping others grow and is passionate about promoting children’s literacy through her nonprofit ministry, Betty’s Bookmobile. She is a sought after worship leader and psalmist, music workshop facilitator, and conference speaker for youth and women. In 2017, she attained her ministerial licensing through the Church of God and is the state president of the Board of Christian Education for the Eastern New York General Assembly. More importantly, she is the proud wife of Rev. Jimmy O. Terry, founder of Trust Ministries.