United times December 2015 Volume 1
General Board Bishop Eric D. Garnes Presiding Prelate
Bishop James R. Chambers Secretary General
Bishop Roberto J. Jemmott General Treasurer
Bishop Glenn E. Livingston Assistant Presiding Prelate
Bishop James E. Dukes National Director of Social Justice
National Directors Overseer Dan Johnson National Business Manager
Bishop J. Nathan Paige National Director of Music
Pastor Aurelia H. Jemmott National Director of Operations & Logistics
Elder Jacqueline Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry Bishop Leon Wilson National Director of Faith-Based Initiatives
Sis. Janelle Flinch National Director of Liturgical Dance Ministry
Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Elder Reginald King Adjutant General
Pastor Martin J. DeSilva National Commander – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost
Overseer Sylvester Robinson National Director of Men’s Ministry
Bishop Orlando A. Wilson National Director of Center for Theological Studies
Overseer Jeffrey Broughton, Sr., National Director of Missions
Pastor Howard Hamilton, National Director, Five Fold Ministries
Overseer Frank Robinson National Youth Director National Director of Ecclesiastical and Corporate Relations
Chairmen Bishop George E. Gibson Chairman, House of Bishops
Overseer Terry Hill, II Chairman, Board of Pastors
Bishop Christopher T. Cox, II Chairman, Board of Holy Orders
Overseer Allan Gray Chairman, Special Events
Letter From The Editor Grace and Peace be unto you UNITED, “There is a Christmas song upon the air, There is a joy innate within the heart; An inner sense of peace, a holy light Illuminates life and sets these days apart.” ~Edna Greene Hines The beauty of Christmas is in the life of Christ. The world may typically see this through the lenses of gift giving, strange coincidences, and annual family gatherings. As the Church remembers the humility and power of the Living God as He became incarnate and was made man – simply to show the world His love – the Believer sees selfless giving, miracles, and joyous celebration. In this season we are celebrating the life of Jesus and the Eternal gift He has left for whosoever will call upon His name. For to us a Child was born, and we call Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
UNITED, wherever you may find yourself this Christmas season, may the everlasting love of God meet you at the point of your need that others may see Him in you, and that we may see Him in each other. May we also reach out to our neighbors who sometimes have no one to share this holiday season with. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Prosperous 2016! Be blessed as you enjoy this Special Holiday Edition and hear from your UNITED family about the GREAT things God is doing! Be encouraged UNITED, and above all, continue to stand. Be blessed as you enjoy the highlights of what is going on around the world of UNITED! In His Service, Annette Parkins Editor www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
IMAC Calls for Justice IMAC calls for justice, peace in shooting death of 28-year-old, wheelchair bound, Jeremy McDole. Bishop George Gibson’s community involvement with the Interdenominational Ministers Action Council of Delaware (IMAC) Bishop Gibson along-side IMAC president, Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman and several other IMAC members gathered to challenge both the police and the community. IMAC urges patience as investigators review the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Jeremy “Bam” McDole by four Wilmington officers. Mr. McDole was restricted to a wheelchair.
Congratulations to the Headquarters Command of the Apostolic Knights of Pentecost on their 17th Anniversary. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
On December 6, 2015, Rhema Church of Jesus Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Eduardo and Co-Pastor Rosina Glynn, relaunched our services in our new church home located at 1122 Bushwick Ave at Madison Street in Brooklyn, NY 11221. We are centrally located in Bushwick near transportation. Service begins at 10am and end at 12pm.
“We praise God for opening this new door in our ministry."
UNITED in Santo Domingo 2015
Join United Covenant Churches of Christ across the USA for the Installation Services of The Very Reverend Angela A. Walker, and The Very Reverend Carol E. Harris
Congratulation Overseer Kim K. Newsome!
Congratulations Overseer Allan H. Gray!
Congratulations Overseer Terry L. Hill!
Join The Greater St. Mary Church of Christ on Sunday December 20, 2015 at 4pm for the Installation of The Reverend Reginald Gregory King as Assistant Pastor and Executive Director 493 Monroe Street Brooklyn, NY
On Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 4pm, please join us in the 60th Birthday Celebration of Co-Pastor Rosina Glynn of Rhema Church of Jesus Christ. This birthday celebration will be held at Power of God Cathedral, Senior Pastor K. Newsome, located at 171-38 107th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433. Our guest speaker will be Co-Pastor Lady Lovenia S. Newsome of Power of God Cathedral. Please join us on this blessed occasion. For more information please call (516) 603-4881.
UPCOMING EVENT
Be the answer to someone’s Christmas wish this season!
Power of GOD Cathedral 171-38 107th Avenue Jamaica, NY 11433
The Voices of UNITED! Do you have your copy? Have you download it!!!!! Have you Spread the Word?...#Champions Debut Single from UNITED’s own, April Hall!
Pastor Angela Walker and Divine Revelation presents their first CD ‘Door to the Next Level.’ This refreshing project brings a mix of original music as well as a new flare to some old time gospel favorites.
From SlaveBox To Xbox The cutting edge Internet radio show hosted by Dr. James Dukes explores and discusses the topics that are relevant to the beloved community. You don't have to just sit by and listen, you can join in on the discussion and the solution. We are not telling you what to think about... But please think about something!
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Are you fluent in Spanish? Do you possess the ability to read & write in Spanish? Do you enjoy spending time on Social Media? If this is the case, we have a need for Spanishspeaking individuals who can help us translate our posts from English to Spanish! To sign up, please email us at ucccsocialmedia@gmail.com.
SAVE-THE-DATE United Comes to You hits the ground running in 2016! Texas, Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Bahamas, Illinois – mark your calendars for these not to be missed encounters as we come together to lift HIM up.
Then, we will gather together in New York to Celebrate United! Stay connected with us on social media for the latest information.
The Divine Mandate Ministry of Zion Progressive Cathedral International, Inc. located at 1169 Connecticut Street in Gary, Indiana, provides free hot meals and free clothing every fourth Saturday of each month from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Our next giveaway is on December 26, 2015. For more information, please contact the administrative office at 219-882-ZION (9466) during the office hours 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. Thank you for your time and blessings and peace be unto you!
Origins of Some of Our Favorite Christmas Traditions‌ From its modest beginnings, Christmas has evolved into the biggest celebration in the world. Christmas is the fourth most important Christian date after Easter, Pentecost, and Epiphany, a feast held January 6 to commemorate the manifestation of the divinity of Jesus. Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25. Many Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar, which places Christmas around January 6. Early Christians, however, did not celebrate Christmas. There was disagreement about when Jesus was born and some early Christians opposed celebrating his birthday. In the fourth century Christmas was added to the Church calendar as a feast day. The Druids believed mistletoe fell from heaven and grew onto a tree that sprang from Earth. Mistletoe thus represented the joining of heaven and earth, and God's reconciliation with mankind. A kiss under mistletoe symbolized acceptance and reconciliation. The modern Christmas tree was likely born in the 8th century, when St. Boniface was converting the Germanic tribes. The tribes worshipped oak trees, decorating them for the winter solstice. St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree, that was central to the worship of a particular tribe, but a fir tree grew in its place. The evergreen was offered as a symbol of Christianity, which the newly converted Germans began decorating for Christmas. Prince Albert, who was German, introduced the Christmas tree to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1840. German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought Christmas trees to America
Some scholars believe a confectioner developed candy canes to represent Jesus. The shape of the "J" was for Jesus, or the shepherd's staff. The white color symbolized purity, while the red stripes indicated blood. Peppermint is similar to hyssop, the Middle Eastern mint mentioned in the Bible.
One of the most popular Christmastime accoutrements, holly has sharp edges, symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. The red berries represent blood.
The custom of the Yule log has been noted in France and Italy as far back as the 1200s. It later spread throughout Europe. On Christmas Eve an enormous log would be cut and placed in the hearth. The log would be sprinkled with salt, oil, and mulled wine, and prayers said to protect the house from the Devil and lightning.
In some regions, the daughters of the family lit the log with splinters of the previous year's log. In other regions, the lady of the house had the honor of lighting the log. As iron stoves replaced giant hearths in the 1800s, Yule logs became decorative, often being used as Christmas centerpieces and decorated with evergreens and candles. Cooks began creating pastry Yule logs, rolled cakes covered in chocolate or coffee and decorated with sugared holly and roses.
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Victorian England. Earlier, some adults had written Christmas letters. But letters took time to write; and people wanting to share season's greetings with many others had a daunting task. In 1843, British businessman Sir Henry Cole asked artist John Calcott Horsley to print some Christmas cards. One thousand cards were printed in black and white and then colored by hand. The cards, which depicted a happy family raising a toast to the recipient, were criticized for promoting drunkenness. In 1851 Richard Pease, a variety store owner, commissioned the first printed Christmas card in the U.S. London printers Charles Goodall & Sons became the first to mass-produce Christmas cards. In 1862 they created cards saying “A Merry Christmas.� Later, they designed cards with various designs, including robins, holly, mangers, snowmen, and even Little Red Riding Hood.
Courtesy of David Johnson http://www.infoplease.com/spot/christmas2.html
Be a part of all God is doing Parents As Teachers & MEN 4 Change Join Bishop George E. Gibson II EVERY THURSDAY @ 6 pm EST as the men gather for a series of informal conversations around real issues that men face such as raising their children, assuming their positions of leadership in our communities and with our children. You will not want to miss out on this time of Enlightenment, Edification and Restoration! 1230 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Got Prayer? Please join Bishop George E. Gibson every Saturday at 7 PM for 7 minutes of prayer as he bombards Heaven for 7 power-packed minutes of effectual and fervent prayer while lifting up our leaders, churches, families, nation and communities. The teleconference number is (218) 862-4152 and pass code is 533257#. Please remember to mute your phone(s). Join Prophetess Tricia Gibson the 1st Monday of each month at 6 PM EST for “Hour of Power Prayer� at 1230 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 Prophetess Gibson also hosts the IPN: International Prayer Network monthly teleconference call. This one-hour call is held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:00 PM and is broadcast on www.hotjoyradio.com with Dr. Ronnie D. Joyner. Call in by dialing (218) 8624152 passcode: 533257#
at Christian Love Worship Cathedral!
Celebrating 32 Years! Christian Love Worship Cathedral celebrates with Bishop George Gibson on the occasion of serving 32 Years as Shepherd, Community Leader and Educator. Lady Tricia Gibson and the entire church family Congratulate Bishop Gibson for faithfully shepherding the flock of faith known as “The Love Nation” for 32 years, birthing Worshippers, Pastors, Elders & Deacons, being a phenomenal spiritual father to many Pastors & Leaders, while serving diligently within the community through IMAC, Let’s Go Higher and Men4Change. We love our Man of God and speak Abundant Blessings of Prosperity, Acquisitions and Greater measures of God’s Divine Favor over his life. Throughout the month of September, the House was blessed my several greatly anointed preachers who came to celebrate with us; Dr. Celeste Washington, Apostle Gilbert Coleman, Bishop W. Oshea Granger, Apostle Ivory Jenkins, and Apostle Warren Martin.
SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE Presents SAMSON with CLWC!
What Do You See? Author RJ Marshall in his second book release from the "What Do You See?" family, gives readers an interesting perspective of how individuals should view life. Bishop Eric D. Garnes forewords the book to give an introspective look into life as we all know it. This creative, yet practical journey is designed for anyone in pursuit of God's idea of them. In this book you will be challenged to evaluate how you see your life in comparison to God's ultimate destiny for you. So when you look closely, what do you see when your reality meets perception? To purchase your copy, please go to: www.iamrjmarshall.com
As a former professional basketball player, Dr. Gibson combines his sports acumen with his intellectual prowess to create an inspirational manual for going higher in the “Game of Life” www.georgegibson.org Also available at Amazon & Barnes and Nobles An excerpt from 90’ By 45’: “The 90’ by 45’ basketball court is about timelines. You have to learn to be in certain places on the floor in a sufficient amount of time. Your position sets the condition of your opportunity. What advancements are you making in the allotted time that you have been given?”
Now Available "Leading Beyond Preaching" by Bishop Christopher T. Cox II If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3 The pattern has changed from its original content and Generation Next is being affected in a grave manner. It is time for the kingdom to return to its original purpose and work. Jesus is still the only way to accomplish the transition that is needed to make a difference.
To purchase your copy of Leading Beyond Preaching, contact (516) 505-5702. The cost is $20.00.
Need a good ministry resource? Perfect for new, aspiring and ordained ministers and evangelists! Visit www.DeboraHooper.com and call our office at (646) 702-8872 to discuss bulk rates! Remember, "you can't do what you don't know"! -Debora Hooper Click here to learn more about this ministry handbook: http://youtu.be/rQCKybvzXgQ Click here to order on Amazon: https://ww.amazon.com/author/deborahooper
Got Ministry? Don't struggle alone! After 26 years in ministry, Dr. Hooper now shares her ministry experience and wisdom with other women preachers. Join her on every 1st Monday at 9 PM EST on a one hour FREE conference call designed to empower you for your ministry calling. You are guaranteed to be blessed! For ministry updates and more, subscribe to us at www.UsGirlsCan.com and follow us on Facebook.
We are seeking volunteers to join us in the fight against suicide - it is everyone's problem. Anyone interested please contact us at: impactoutreachministry@gmail.com. The position is a volunteer position. Training will be provided and Counselors will be able to volunteer from the comfort of their own home.
Calling all children, teens and young adults. Your prayer has power! And this year Uc3 needs you. Become a part of our 2015 youth and young adults prayer team. Please email us at uc3youth@unitedcovenantchurches.com
"Turn Up" with prayer...GENERATION "Covered"! The purpose of the youth prayer call is to keep our children covered by the word and build a strong prayer life for our children. NVKLC and Uc3 provides a vehicle that will get your child's day started and encouraged to go throughout the week.
Stretch your prayer life in this powerful season of prayer! His Kingdom come, His will be done! CALLING ALL INTERCESSORS: Draw nigh to God in this key season. There are morning and afternoon prayer lines within your UNITED family to join and watch the Hand of God move supernaturally in your life, your family, your church and your community! Bishop Jamie Johnson – James Temple Miracle Center Fort Valley, GA Every Wednesday night at 9:05pm EST (641) 715-3200 access code: 1004868#
Overseer Dan Johnson – The Empowerment Worship Center Chicago, IL Monday-Friday 5am-6am CST (712) 432-0075 access code: 502676#
Bishop Roberto Jemmott – Nazareth Christian Fellowship Brooklyn, NY Tuesdays 6am EST (712) 775-7100 access code: 456009#
Bishop Allen Williams – Rhema Word Worship Center Elkridge, MD Tuesday-Friday 5am-6am; 1pm-2pm; 9pm-10pm EST (661) 673-8600 access code: 834439#
Overseer Carlos Haynes – Faith Assemblies of God Brooklyn, NY Sunday-Saturday 5am-6am EST (760) 984-1000 access code: 919671#
Bishop George E. Gibson, II - Christian Love Worship Cathedral Philadelphia, PA Saturdays 7pm (seven minutes) EST (218) 862-4152 access code: 533257# *please remember to mute your phones*
Pastor Frederick E. Wilson, Jr. – The Temple of Glory International Chicago, IL Sunday-Saturday 6am CST (605) 477-3000 access code: 552942#
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
HEADLINES Our Prayers Can Impact
Opposition Party Appears to Win Landmark Election in Myanmar (Nov. 8): Early results indicate that Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party wins Myanmar's landmark national elections by a landslide. The first official results have the opposition party winning the majority of seats in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city. The country's ruling military-backed party concedes the election. If the results are honored by the military and ruling party, it will be the first time in over fifty years that Myanmar voters are able to freely pick their leaders through an election. Read more on http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews; http://www.cnn.com/specials/politics/world-politics; http://www.bbc.com/news; www.infoplease.com
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The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. C.S. Lewis
Have any questions, comments, ideas or would like to make a submission for future publication? Please contact: Annette Parkins an.parkins@gmail.com www.unitedcovenantchurches.org