United times March 2016
General Board Bishop Eric D. Garnes Presiding Prelate
Bishop Glenn E. Livingston Assistant Presiding Prelate
Bishop James R. Chambers Secretary General
Bishop Roberto J. Jemmott General Treasurer
Bishop James E. Dukes National Director of Social Justice
National Directors Overseer Dan Johnson National Business Manager
Sis. Janelle Flinch National Director of Liturgical Dance Ministry
Bishop J. Nathan Paige National Director of Music
Pastor Aurelia H. Jemmott National Director of Operations & Logistics
Bishop Norman J. Hairston, III National Minister of Worship
Elder Jacqueline Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry Bishop Leon Wilson National Director of Faith-Based Initiatives
Pastor Martin J. DeSilva National Commander – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Overseer Sylvester Robinson National Director of Men’s Ministry Overseer Jeffrey Broughton, Sr. National Director of Missions
Bishop Orlando A. Wilson National Director of Center for Theological Studies
Pastor Reginald King Adjutant General
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, I pray you had a powerful Resurrection weekend, as we celebrated the reason for the Easter season, our Resurrected Christ! Risen with all power in His hands, we can do all things through Christ, who daily gives us strength. So much of who we are is lost in translation. We have been crucified with Christ, yet we find ourselves struggling to live – to reach some agreeable standard of acceptance. As the world looks to capitalize on the church, and define the people of God, we are all being called upon to sanctify the Lord God[d] in [our] hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15. We thank God as He restores unto us the joy of our salvation. The joy of coming together as a reformation is being felt worldwide as United Comes to You has exploded around the globe. We are always blessed when we UNITE, and if you’re in the Chicago area, you do not want to miss the next stop on the map. We come together for an awesome weekend of worship, empowerment, and growth April 1-2, 2016! We close out in celebration May 11-13, 2016 as UNITED comes to New York to CELEBRATE UNITED! Register online, then reserve your room before April 11th to take advantage of the discounted room rate. Be blessed as you read on and enjoy this month’s highlights of what is happening around the world of UNITED. Be encouraged Beloved, and above all, continue to stand.
In His Service, Annette Parkins Editor www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
"The Calling to Leadership" There are Five Dimensions of leadership that you must own to become an effective leader: calling, comprehension, character, competencies, and consequences. First, you must understand God's calling on your life. He has called some people to be leaders, and most others He has not. This is an Issue of Discernment. You cannot force God's calling, nor can you experience a significant life by Dismissing or Denying His call, whatever it is. The magnitude of the situation is not important; hearing and obeying His calling is. How obedient have you been in pursuing that calling? Secondly, you must comprehend what leadership is. It takes insight and maturity to truly grasp God's view of leadership; everything else is a dangerous mind game we play that affects people's lives but fails to glorify God. Authentic leadership is not about position, power, popularity, or perks; it is about obedience and servant-hood, resulting in transformation. How deeply do you comprehend the heartbeat of leadership and its significance in God's creation? Thirdly, you must possess the type of character that moves people to trust you to take them places - spiritual, emotional, relational, intellectual, that they otherwise would not go. God uses those people who, like David, seek to emulate his heart, or people like Paul, who recognize that the minimum qualification for leadership is to emulate Jesus Christ. The next place God is taking you, your character is going to have to keep you there. Fourthly, you must exhibit mastery of competencies that enable you to move people toward meaningful outcomes. These skills and techniques make the art of leadership tangible and real. Finally, you must take responsibility for the consequences of your leadership. Leaders produce results! There are many fine books and materials that discuss competencies and consequences. The emphasis in this exercise is what I want to call the "overlooked" elements: calling, comprehension, and character. For sure, these are the more treacherous mountains that leaders must master to reach their desired destination intact and ready for the next leg of the journey, but with the help of the Lord we can make it.
"Leaders must help people believe that they can be effective, that their goals are possible, there accomplishment are admirable, and that there is a better future that they can move towards through their own efforts." John Gardner We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be.
Vision does not ignite growth; passion does. Passion fueled vision is the focus of the power of passion. Leaders who are passionate about their call create vision. "The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one." One of the most common questions from people in leadership position is, "How do I get a vision for my organization?" That is a crucial question until it is answered, a person will be a leader in name only. Although I cannot give you a vision, I can share the process for finding one: LOOK W/IN YOU - What do you feel? You can't borrow somebody else's vision. The thing that brings it out is passion. LOOK BEHIND YOU - What have you learned? Every leader's vision is based on his/her own personal experience. What does your past tell you about your future? LOOK AROUND YOU - What is happening to others? As a leader, you must always take into account other people. If others aren't with you, you aren't leading. LOOK AHEAD OF YOU - What is the big picture? Leaders don't get down in the minutia. They see everything from the vantage point of the mountaintop. That's why their goals are called vision. LOOK ABOVE YOU - What does God expect of you? No vision is worthy of your life unless it fulfills your destiny, the purpose for which you were designed. Your vision must contribute to your destiny. LOOK BESIDE YOU - What resources are available to you? Your vision must be bigger than you. The greater it is, the more resources it will require. The best leaders bring all of the resources in their world into play to accomplish something great. "I am only one, I cannot do everything but I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.“ ~Edward Everett Hale Bishop George E. Gibson II Chair, House of Bishops Diocesan, Mid-Atlantic Region
Congratulations Overseer Carol E. Harris
The investiture service for Overseer Carol E. Harris was held on February 27, 2016. The Ecclesia Family Worship Center, Family, Friends and United Covenant Churches of Christ gathered together to celebrate this solemn occasion. Bishop James R. Chambers, senior pastor of Greater St. Mary Church, Brooklyn New York preached the homily entitled "The Last, The Least and the Left Out". The Mid Atlantic Diocesan and Senior Pastor of Christian Love Cathedral, Bishop George E. Gibson set the atmosphere of this great celebration. Bishop Christopher T. Cox, Senior Pastor of Family Life Worship Cathedral and UCCC's Bishop of Holy Orders ushered the celebrants before the throne of the Lord in Prayer. United Covenant Churches of Christ Presiding Bishop, Eric D. Garnes charged Overseer Harris with the responsibilities of the office, admonishing her to lead well, to remain integral and honest, and remain available to the move of God.
In addition to the garments of the church, Bishop Garnes vested Overseer Harris with the chord and cross of her late husband Overseer Lonnie C. Harris III, as well as "the preaching bible" of her late father Bishop H. Edward Spencer. Her mother, children and the leaders and members of Ecclesia Family Worship Center stood lovingly and proud throughout. The Board of Overseers greeted their sister and received her with well wishes and smiles. The consensus amongst them all was that they are ready for the work ahead together and UNITED!!!
SAVE-THE-DATE What a powerful United Comes to You thus far! We look forward to seeing you in the Illinois region April 1-2, 2016!
Mark your calendars for these not to be missed encounters as we come together to lift HIM up. Start your preparations to gather together in May in New York to Celebrate United! Stay connected with us on social media for the latest information.
Register online TODAY for only $25! Reserve your room before April 11th to take advantage of the discounted $159/night room rate – (914) 682-0050. Group Code: UU5
United Came 2 US Mid-Atlantic Region March 4th-5th, 2016 United Comes To You was an enriched time of impartation, revelation and inspiration. Our Presiding Bishop Eric D. Garnes was awesome in the Word Hour on Friday and set us ablaze as the Lord used him to download to us eternal truths of Glory! The praise and worship and music and arts ministry of the Mid-Atlantic was superb. Healthy, wholesome fellowship, food and fun were shared by all in our reception hour.
Saturday was a time for information and instruction as we had over 70 students eager and ready to receive, and receive we did. Bishop James E. Dukes got us out the blocks strong with a lesson on our "Civil & Social Response to Gay Marriages and the LGBTQ Community." He shared how the church was once the "Voice & Visible Authority" in our community, but it has grown weak and weary. But the Church is on its way back to reclaim its rightful place. Bishop James Chambers was simply phenomenal as he shared with us the church response to "Mental Illness." This was so needed, and it answered so many questions for us all. He ministered as only Bishop Chambers can, with words of encouragement and hands of compassion. Bishop Garnes sealed the deal for us that day speaking about "The Relevance of Christianity�-- such a powerful and thought provoking lesson. He shared with us that God has called us to be a prepared people of power and with that power we will infuse the "culture" with the truth of Jesus and that our commitment and conviction will bring a revolutionary change. He called us to be a church walking and talking in the authority and power of the Holy Ghost. The Youth of the Mid-Atlantic where active and vital in the success of United Comes To You! Their commitment to excellence and a culture chasing after Christ is to be applauded. They participated in the Friday night worship with dancing, stepping, and flag twirling. On Saturday over 30 youth went on a fun fellowship to the "Trampoline Park." Fun was had by all! Thanks to all the Youth Workers, parents, chaperones, Culinary Ministry, A Team, Staff, and Volunteers for a job well done. The Mid-Atlantic Rocks!
United Covenant Churches of Christ Chaplains Corps Launch On March 5, 2016 U.C.C.C. Chaplains Corps was launched via a conference call. We gave an overview of the dept. and the plans for the future. There were current chaplains on the line as well as those who are interested in chaplaincy as well as those who are looking to get involved into the Ministry of Presence through the Chaplains Corps. Currently we have Chaplains in the areas of healthcare, fire dept., corporate, prison, and the police dept. If you or any person in your local assembly that was unable to participate in the ministry launch feel free to contact me. We are still adding to the Corps as we continue to move this ministry forward. We are planning conference calls and training sessions through multiple sources of media as well as onsite training. This is an exciting season in the development of this ministry. I look forward to hearing from you.
Bishop Jamie Johnson
Bishop Eric McMillian Overseer Sylvester Robinson
Overseer Carol Harris Overseer Jeffrey Broughton
Pastor W. Nigel Meeks, Chief of Chaplains UCCC Chaplains Corp
Pastor Corrie Mathis
Chaplain Hildefonso Denny Chaplain Ann Polk
Contact: Email: elderwnigelmeeks@msn.com Phone: (618) 201-1392
Chaplain Francisco Romero Chaplain Veronica Parker Chaplain Rosa Romero
Tabernacle of Praise goes RED! Tabernacle of Praise and Bishop Eric D. Garnes and First Lady Delicia Garnes are implementing our Vision of CHANGING THE FACE OF A COMMUNITY as both Worship Services went RED. A joint collaboration of TOP Development, Daughters of Zelophehad Women’s Ministry. Saint Luke Pavilion Health Ministry spoke to both congregations about the reasons to keep our heart healthy. We collected donations for the AHA go RED.
Looking forward to connecting for our monthly National Prayer on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 7AM(EST)/6AM(CST).
This month Pastor Cynthia Dunbar will be leading us in prayer.
If you have a prayer request and/or praise report, please email womensministry@unitedcovenanctchurches.org Call (702) 432-0075 Access Code 502676# We are looking forward to this anointed time of PRAYER AND PRAISE on the National prayer line! When we UNITE in prayer, God hears and MOVES! (Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 18:19-20).
The United Covenant Churches of Christ The Uc3 National Youth Congress
@ericdgarnes @UnitedCovenant @Uc3youth
BishopEDGarnes UnitedCovenantChurchesofChrist Uc3youth
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Congratulations Bishop Paige! We give God thanks for Bishop J. Nathan Paige, our National Director of Music as he celebrated his 10th Pastoral Anniversary during the month of March. Bishop Paige, may the Lord continue to enlarge your borders as He takes you from glory to glory.
Join Bishop Garnes LIVE on Periscope on April 17th as he does a live demo and takes questions from his new book Protocol. Get your copy of Protocol signed on May 10th 1098 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203
Women’s Conference 2016 at Tabernacle of Praise March 10-…, the Daughters of Zelophehad Women’s Ministry at Tabernacle of Praise hosted their annual Women’s Conference. This year’s Theme was The Power in your Hands Ex. 4:2-18. This year the Lord used Pastor Dina Hubert, Pastor Debora Hooper, Dr. Karen Daughtry, and Pastor Valerie Cheairs to minister to the saints. Each dynamic guest speaker blessed the House. Saturday’s session challenged the women of God to rethink what has been placed in their hands. The women enjoyed a delicious lunch and a time of fellowship and growth in the Lord as He called us to take a second look at the dominion and authority He has already placed in our hands.
The women came together on Sunday wearing white in solidarity as we received our final charge through Pastor Valerie Cheairs to truly receive all that has been placed in our hands. We thank God for a blessed weekend of revelation, impartation, encouragement, impartation, and fellowship. It was time well spent as the Lord continues to take His people from glory to glory!
UPCOMING EVENTS
TheVoices 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.
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.
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 April 23, 2016. 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!
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!
Be a support to Overseer Angela Walker on the new Knowledge and Power Show!
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!
SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE Presents SAMSON with CLWC!
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?”
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
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.
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.
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.
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
"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.
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
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# Bishop Roberto Jemmott – Nazareth Christian Fellowship Brooklyn, NY Tuesdays 6am EST (712) 775-7100 access code: 456009#
Overseer Carlos Haynes – Faith Assemblies of God Brooklyn, NY Sunday-Saturday 5am-6am EST (760) 984-1000 access code: 919671# Pastor Frederick E. Wilson, Jr. – The Temple of Glory International Chicago, IL Sunday-Saturday 6am CST (605) 477-3000 access code: 552942#
Overseer Dan Johnson – The Empowerment Worship Center Chicago, IL Monday-Friday 5am-6am CST (712) 432-0075 access code: 502676# Bishop Allen Williams – Rhema Word Worship Center Elkridge, MD Tuesday-Friday 5am-6am; 1pm-2pm; 9pm-10pm EST (661) 673-8600 access code: 834439# 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*
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
Articles & Images courtesy of http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews; http://america.aljazeera.com; http://www.cnn.com/specials/politics/world-politics; http://www.bbc.com/news; http://www.politico.com; http:www.flipboard.com
Join us for Worship!
God, to redeem us at the deepest portion of our nature - the urge to love and be loved - must reveal His nature in an incredible and impossible way. He must reveal it at a cross. ~E. Stanley Jones
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