United times April 2015
Volume 1
General Board Bishop Eric D. Garnes Presiding Prelate
Bishop Glenn E. Livingston Assistant Presiding Prelate
Bishop Roberto J. Jemmott General Treasurer
Bishop James R. Chambers Secretary General
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 Bishop Leon Wilson National Director of Faith-Based Initiatives
Elder Jacqueline Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry
Bishop Orlando A. Wilson National Director of Center for Theological Studies Bishop Rory Marshall National Director of Men’s Ministry
Elder Reginald King Adjutant General Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Pastor Martin J. DeSilva National Commander – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost
Overseer Frank Robinson National Youth Director National Director of Ecclesiastical and Corporate Relations
Chairmen Bishop George E. Gibson Chairman, House of Bishops
Pastor Terry Hill, II Chairman, Board of Pastors
Bishop Christopher T. Cox, II Chairman, Board of Holy Orders
Letter From The Editor Grace and Peace be unto you UNITED, Time and time again, we find ourselves distracted and weighted down by the cares and consequences of this world. The pains of everyday living will sometimes cause us to forsake our secured peace in Christ, peradventure to find a greater sense of stability elsewhere. But the Lord Most High, He is lifted up, and it is Him that carries us through every mistake, every heartache, and every unexpected turn, to show us His unfailing love - the depth of His grace. Christ is Risen, and we stand with Him in Victory! We move forward today, expecting greater, and taking His praises higher! A fire started in the Mid-Atlantic Diocese last month that continues to rage throughout the UNITED family. Find out when UNITED will be coming 2U! It is a joy to gather together as we build and grow in strength and solidarity. In preparation for our National Holy Convocation, we expect a #UNITEDencounter! We are loved by the King, and it is this love that drives our Chairman of the Board of Pastors, Pastor Terry Hill, Jr. as he poignantly speaks this month about overcoming the Emotional Abuse of Leadership. 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
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise. ~Maya Angelou
Emotional Abuse of Leadership "Dealing with Sheep Bites" by Rev. Terry L. Hill, Jr. We are in a treacherous time where too often we read and hear about the egregious abuse committed by those in ministry leadership. Financial misdealing, sexual immorality and dictator style ruling are all things that have become common news within the ranks of Pastors and other spiritual leaders. While this behavior is readily pushed to the forefront and newsworthy, a more prevalent predicament exists in the church. Although it is largely unspoken, great are the numbers of people who are nearing the edge of reneging on their assignment due to emotional abuse. The new question that must be raised is what is the leader to do when they themselves are wounded and that from “sheep bites”? The abuse of the leader happens in numerous ways although some are more common. 1. Unfair Expectations – Too often people expect the leader to do everything. If not everything then most things and those exceptionally well. There is no team effort for which the natural skills and abilities in others can be brought to bear and help the ministry at large. This type of abuse results in ministry burnout and fatigue. 2. Unimportant/Unfair Criticism – People love being close to their leader. Unfortunately, for the personable leader it can cause people to develop a dark sense of familiarity which according to the adage breeds contempt. Many times the lines between the leader and those he leads gets blurred and sometimes become nonexistent. When this happens, those led see too much and feel entitled to speaking their minds regarding every area. This will diminish the morale of a leader.
3. Unnecessary Manipulation/Neglect – How many fights have been started within church boards when time came to discuss the Pastor/Leaders salary? How often have the needs of the leader been dismissed as not relevant or not important enough to consider now? Failure to remove the financial and physical stresses of the leaders when it is in our power to do so is literally a manipulation of the gift God has given. Too often the leader sacrifices to the extent that he/she becomes the sacrifice. Furthermore, those who have power in the church or ministry wield it to undermine the influence of the leader in an effort to “keep them humble”. Unfortunately, this can also lead to the loss of passion in the leader or the desire to seek a better fit to provide for himself and his family.
All of these sheep bites and abuses of the leader occur all too often. I Corinthians 9 shows the Apostle Paul’s response to sheep bites and the stress it would’ve cause him had he allowed it. The same will work for those who have been abused: 1. Reaffirm your call to God and HIS ministry – (verse 1-2) never forget you are God’s chosen leader. While your assignment may be where you have been abused, the person who assigned you is well able to heal and supply for you. Remember that you are His servant/leader. 2. Remind yourself that respect demanded is never real – Paul could’ve demanded they take care of him and respect him. But he chose to remember that it was more important that he never stop ministering to them. He reminded himself that the assignment was more important than those to whom he was assigned. Keep doing the work! Your call to lead is ultimately a call to pain. While you cannot stop the abuse you may be receiving, you can control your response to it. Instead of letting it drive you out of ministry, let it drive you more to the Master. There is no abuse he cannot address and no wound he cannot heal. Ultimately, your Shepherd is responsible for you as His sheep. He will give you strength to stay in the game!
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
The Citadel Church of Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL http://www.citadelchurchjax.com/
UNITED COMES TO YOU! Pennsylvania/Del/Mar/Va -- April 17-18, 2015 Texas -- May 29 - 30 New York -- June 5-6, 2015 Illinois -- (TBD) Common Wealth of the Bahamas -- June 17-19, 2015 ( Awaiting Confirmation- Fathers Day weekend -USA; however this will happen during the week not a weekend -- TBD) • Ghana -- June 23-25, 2015 • • • • •
TBD's: • Florida • Georgia/North Carolina/South Carolina
UNITED Fire 5th Sunday Gathering with the Mid-Atlantic Diocese
UNITED COMES 2U! The fire is still burning! April 17-18 1230 N. French Street Wilmington, DE 19801
Calling ALL PSALMISTS AND MINSTELS from the Mid-Atlantic Region! Contact Derrick Clements at Derr318@gmail.com for more information.
Please be in prayer with The IMPACT Kingdom Church as we launch on 5.01.15 in Philadelphia, PA. The Lead Pastor will be Prophetess Corrie N. Williams. For more information please feel free to email us at: impactoutreachministry@gmail.com
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.
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 Monday, April 13th 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.
A very Happy Birthday to our very own Dr. Debora Hooper! We thank God for your life and the jewel you are to the Body of Christ. May you continue to manifest His glory and show the world that #UsGirlsCan!
On Sunday, April 19, 2015, there will be a great celebration at Family Life Worship Cathedral and you are invited to join us. The guest of honor will be Bishop Christopher T. Cox II, who will be celebrating his 65th birthday on that day. The guest speaker will be Prophet Anthony Moore of Stamford, Connecticut. You don't want to miss it. We hope to see you there!
The Cathedral St. Mark Christian Community Church Join the Missionary Ministry of our church as Missionaries from around the area come to be empowered to do what God has called them to do!
http://thecathedralstmark.webs.com/
The Daughters of the King Ministry would like to invite everyone to a night of empowerment, because this is not the season to give up, losing is not an option!
The most anticipated event of 2015 – United Covenant Churches of Christ National Holy Convocation July 15-17 Guest Speakers, Worship, Workshops, Pageantry, Fellowship Registration is continues and is only $50 for adults and $35 for youth.
Memories, Transformation, Power‌Prepare for
The Encounter!
Calling ALL YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS!!! The Uc3 team is ready to serve!! We have Dynamic Speakers . . Workshops . . Poetry . . Comedy . . . you name it you will experience it!! Have all children, teens and young adults register now for #Uc3encounter http://youtu.be/dM-6h_T1IXM
We'll see you in ATL!!!
Pre-Order your 2015 National Holy Convocation T-Shirts Today! S-XL: $12 XXL: $15 Make this treasured keepsake yours today and enjoy it in celebration at this year’s Encounter in Atlanta, GA! Visit www.unitedcovenantchurchesofchrist.org to place your order.
There is still time to become a part of the media buzz for Convocation 2015! UCCC Social Media Department needs YOU to be apart of our 2015 National Holy Convocation social media team. If you are interested or would like to receive more information, please email us at ucccsocialmedia@gmail.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Women of Excellence presents Women Pursuing The Promises of God’s Word April 10-12 450 E172nd Street Bronx, NY
Rhema Word Worship Center presents Song Fest 2015 April 11, 2015 813 N. Pulaski Street Baltimore, Maryland The WIN Ministry presents a One-Day Healing Clinic April 18, 2015 576 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY
Grace Tabernacle Christian Center presents Women’s Christian Revival April 23-24, 2015 1745 Pacific Street Brooklyn, NY
Power of God Cathedral Annual Women’s Day 2015 May 17, 2015 171-38 107th Avenue Jamaica, NY
Faith Assemblies of God is proud to host the Brooklyn United Marching Band Drum Academy Open House on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 9:30 am. The drum academy offers academic support, percussion instruction, opportunities for college scholarships, job training and travel. For more information you may contact Brooklyn United Marching band via telephone at 347-264-4069, or via email at bkunitedmb@gmail.com. Follow Brooklyn United on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bkumb and on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram at BKunitedMB Continental breakfast will be served.
Join Ambassador Juanita Bynum as Bishop Eric D. Garnes and Tabernacle of Praise Hosts a 2-Day Prayer Crusade! April 23-24,2015 7:30pm each night
Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral 1274 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203
The United Covenant Churches of Christ The Uc3 National Youth Congress
@ericdgarnes @UnitedCovenant @Uc3youth
BishopEDGarnes UnitedCovenantChurchesofChrist Uc3youth
BishopEDGarnes
ARE YOU FLUENT SPANISH?
DO YOU POSSES THE ABILITY TO READ & WRITE IN SPANISH? DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA? If that 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.
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 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Our next giveaway is on April 25, 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!
The Joshua Outreach Ministries Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his Flock like a shepherd; He will gather the Lamb with His arm. As we continue to carry out the task set before us, we thank God for the Two Arms of God Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord shall come with a strong hand. We thank God for our UNITED Family and your continued prayers for the mission in central America. The Joshua ministry continues to work and serve the community and bring soul to Christ. God is moving mightily in as we continue to carry out the task of faithfully feeding and serving. As we wait on The Lord He shall renew our strength. We thank God for sending us Bishop Cox from Elmont, NY and Pastor Peina from the Dominican Republic to pray for and assist us in Panama!
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
Join Bishop Eric D. Garnes for a "Once in a Lifetime Experience" Come on a tour of Greece and Turkey that will greatly enrich your spiritual life and relationship following in the footsteps of Paul in the old Roman Empire. We will begin our journey in the beautiful city of Athens. Then an Aegean cruise followed by northern Greece, Thessaloniki, Philippi and Meterora. The Bible will come alive for you. You will return filled with enthusiasm, gratitude and a renewed faith. "To walk in the footsteps of Paul cannot be described. It can only be experienced." Enjoy seeing all the major Christian sites and historical places. Deposit - $350 (payable on booking) Second Payment due – May 22nd, 2015 – 50% of balance Full Balance Due – Aug 7th, 2015 For more information, please contact: Brother Alejandro Campbell United Covenant Churches of Christ 1274 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203 (347) 403-3524 lexfermina@aol.com
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 were named champions of the Urban Broadcast Media’s Voices of Praise Battle Competition; and were able to record their first album. On November 21, 2014 The Voices presented their first CD Release entitled ‘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.
"What Do You See?" is 31 Days of Transformation that gives daily devotions and confessions designed to encourage and uplift you to see yourself as God created you to be. This creative, yet practical journey is designed for anyone in pursuit of God's idea of them. Throughout these 31 -days 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? WWW.IAMRJMARSHALL.COM
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
Be a part of all God is doing at Christian Love Worship Cathedral! 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) 862-4152 passcode: 533257#
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?”
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!
Join us for Worship!
"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#
Have any questions, comments, ideas or would like to make a submission for future publication? Please contact: Annette Parkins an.parkins@gmail.com (877) 97-UNITY www.unitedcovenantchurches.org