United times April 2014 Volume 1
General Board Bishop Eric D. Garnes Presiding Prelate
Bishop James R. Chambers Secretary General
Bishop Glenn E. Livingston General Treasurer
Bishop James E. Dukes National Director of Social Justice
National Directors Overseer Dan Johnson National Business Manager
Elder Reginald McCaskill National Director of Music
Pastor Aurelia H. Jemmott National Director of Operations & Logistics
Bishop Orlando A. Wilson National Director of Center for Theological Studies
Overseer Frank Robinson National Youth Director Elder Jacqueline Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry
Bishop Rory Marshall National Director of Men’s Ministry
Pastor Martin J. DeSilva National Commander – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost
Elder Reginald King Adjutant General Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Letter From the Editor Grace and peace be unto you UNITED, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 As the seasons change in the natural, I believe they help us to understand the supernatural changes that God is manifesting in our lives. As new creatures in Christ, we are being processed and transformed into His likeness for greater works that eyes have not seen and ears have not heard. Wherever you may find yourself in your process, you are not alone – get connected with UNITED. Call in and connect with our Women’s ministry monthly call, connect with the powerful work God is doing in the men through one of these awesome workshops, or be blessed during Holy Week through a play, fashion show or a Word. There is something for everyone! Total Praise 2014 is literally hours away and we solicit your prayers as the Levites of UNITED gather together before the King in Baltimore, MD. It’s time for a new sound! We are blessed this month as the Lord uses Pastor James Porter to renew our minds to the Life More Abundantly that exists for us as believers. Pastor Martin De Silva concludes His teaching on true evangelism and its’ Implications for our Life and Ministry. Read on and be blessed UNITED, and above all, continue to stand. In His Service, Annette Parkins Editor www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
Life More Abundantly John 10:10 AMP The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). In the book of John, Jesus says that He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. With everything that's taking place in the world today I don't think we should move from that position. However, it appears that more people in the kingdom are focused on the thief's actions (steal, kill, and destroy) rather than on Jesus's action ( living life more abundantly). From the very onset God never intended for us to have lack in any area of our lives. When God gave Adam dominion in Genesis 1:26-29 in essence He was making sure that every provision would be met. When Adam lost dominion in Genesis 3:6 Jesus came to restore it back to humanity. The focus for us has to shift from the shortages of "not enough" to more than enough. Therefore, there has to be a renewing of the mind. Romans 12:2 tell us to be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. We can't allow a diminished perception of abundance to hinder the promises of God and the works of Jesus. Abundance in the Greek is Perisseuo which means To exceed a fixed number of measure to be left over and above; To abound overflow; To be pre-eminent; to excel more than-exceed, to furnish one richly that he has abundance. Therefore, our abundance is a promise that must be appropriated in every area of our lives. For example, if we need healing 1 Peter 2:24 KJV states, by whose stripes ye were healed. That's what we need to believe. Likewise, if we need provision then we need to believe that our God will supply
all of our needs according to his riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19) The enemy wants us to believe that God will not do what He has promised us in His word. However, if we receive the word of God as our final authority then God has no choice considering that He is not a God that should lie. The problem lies not in God's word, but in our thinking. The book of James tells us that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). To have a double mind means to be indecisive. In other words, we are wavering in our thinking concerning the promises of God. We must remember the bible says, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:6) Our faith is what the enemy wants to steal more than anything. Our faith guarantees us access to the promises of God. The enemy knows that when our faith is activated his plan to steal, kill, and destroy will not work. The real challenge is for us in the kingdom to "walk by faith and not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV)
In His Service, Pastor James Porter Kingdom Harvest Church – Meridian, Mississippi
A Word from the Presiding Bishop United, I want to personally invite you to be part of our National Music and Arts Conference The dates are April 2-5, 2014. This will be a very, very special time of gathering. We will hear great preaching and teaching. There will be special presentations, workshop sessions, guest artist, ministry and great connections! You can only get that when you are on site. Register online today at www.unitedcovenantchurches.com The conference will be hosted at the New Antioch Church 2401 St. Paul Street – Baltimore, Maryland Guest Artists: Maurette Brown-Clark and Isaiah D. Thomas We are preparing for our 25th National Holy Convocation, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this special music conference leading toward our 25th year celebration!! I look forward to seeing you there!
Dr. Eric D. Garnes
All Roads Lead to The 2014 Total Praise National Music & Arts Conference! We will see you April 2-5 for a powerful time of teaching, worship and fellowship. WE WILL SEE YOU THERE!
Women of UNITED Blessings to each of you! As we look at the prominent social issues that are present in today's society, we can clearly see that we are living in perilous times! NOW more than ever - is time for God’s people to UNITE in prayer. While some Christians have intensified their prayer lives, many have become weary and hopeless. What do you do after you have prayed and prayed but still nothing seems to change? What do you do when the storms of life are raging and God seems silent? Has God forgotten you? If you have ever pondered these questions or perhaps feel this way today, I strongly encourage you to join us on our upcoming UCCC Women’s National Prayer line Saturday, April 5, 2014 @ 7am (EST)/6am (CST). Pastor Valerie Cheairs from V. Cheairs Ministries will be addressing some of these issues as she ministers on “Persistent Prayer.” Regardless of how difficult things may become, we must continue in prayer – trusting that God will KEEP his promises. Ladies, don’t miss this time of empowerment!! Please make sure to invite your sisters who are in need of a BIG dose of HOPE!!! Dial 712 432-0075 access code 502676#. Also, don’t forget to email your prayer request/praise report in advance at womensministry@unitedcovenantchurches.com. I am excited about this amazing time of fellowship and I look forward to UNITING with you in prayer!!! Elder Jacqueline D. Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry
United Covenant Churches of Christ Youth Leaders...it's FINALLY HERE!!!! Uc3 Youth Summit weekend is May 24-25 in Cambridge, Maryland at the Agape Temple of Praise & Ministries combined with the "Strengthening Thy Youth with the Word" Youth Conference May 19-23. Calling all Youth and Youth Leaders...lets do this! If you can bring your youth, contact AGAPE today via email at: agape815@comcast.net The list is growing and this gathering is guaranteed to be dynamic, powerful and life changing! This will be an epic impartation like never before. This weekend will set the stage for our 25th Anniversary Holy Convocation. Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York will be in the "AGAPE" house! Whatever you do, make a great effort to be in the house on Saturday, May 24. Make a weekend out of it and join Overseer Frank Robinson again in the AGAPE house on Sunday, May 25th – THERE IS A WORD!!! You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53KWOnx_YEk
Join Dr. Debora C. Hooper & Us Girls Can for our monthly conference call: Monday, April 6, 2014 at 9PM EST.
Are you in the black or red... the men of Family Life Worship Cathedral Men of Valor invite you to weigh your first quarter. Finances, marriage or relationship, and our relationship with Christ. Saturday April 5 – 11am Family Life Worship Cathedral 1350 A Street Elmont, NY 11003
The National Action Network Convention will be held April 9th – 12th in New York City at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. This event is FREE, but you must register to attend. Go online to www.nationalactionnetwork.net to register and see the entire list of events. Come out and enjoy informative panel discussions on media, young professionals, the Black church and much more. Be a part of the movement!
The New York State Diocese comes together for a dynamic Holy Week celebration. Get ready for a glorious time in the Lord as we come together at 7:30pm on April 16th for Holy Wednesday and April 17th for Maundy Thursday service at Greater St. Mary of Christ. 493 Monroe Street Brooklyn, NY 11221
We come together again for a special Good Friday evening service on April 18th at 7:30pm at Power of God Cathedral. 171-38 107th Avenue Jamaica, NY 11433
Join Bishop James E. Dukes and Liberation Christian Center for Maundy Thursday – 7 Statements From the Foot of The Cross Thursday April 17 2014 7pm 7400 S Michigan Chicago, IL 60619
Bishop Jamie Johnson and James Temple Miracle Center presents Middle Georgia's Good Friday Fellowship! This is an event you do not want to miss. We will have a night full of worship and word! 460 Wye Street Fort Valley, GA 31030
Make your hotel reservations now. You do not want to miss our Silver Anniversary Celebration! Visit www.unitedcovenantchurches.org for more information Connect with us on Facebook and twitter to receive the latest information.
UCCC National Holy Convocation July 22-26 Reserve your room at the Sheraton Baltimore North Center ($109/night) (410) 321-7400
Stay Connected with United Covenant Churches of Christ "mention" us on twitter @UnitedCovenant @EricDGarnes "tag" us on Facebook (search and "like“) The United Covenant Churches of Christ "tag" us on Instagram: BishopEDGarnes Or even "pin" to our Pinterest board: bishopedgarnes
Become a part of the Uc3 Movement search” and “like” The Uc3 National Youth Congress @uc3youth
Join us on Good Friday, April 18, 2014 at Family Life Worship Cathedral as the Fine Arts Ministry presents "After the Betrayal". The play will begin promptly at 7pm. For additional information or for tickets, call (516) 505-5702. We look forward to seeing you there.
Come out and join Tabernacle of Praise and Champion Children of Christ for a Fashion & Talent Show like no other. Tickets are $10 for children under 10 and $20 for adults. Sunday April 20, 2014 5pm-9pm 1098 Utica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203
Implications of Evangelism for Life and Ministry Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 4:5 "to do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry." From the aspects discussed thus far, it is easy to see how our ministry will reflect our understanding of the meaning of evangelism. We must unlock the shackles of our contemporary definitions and seek to know God’s intention for evangelism. This means we must denounce anything that opposes the gospel; we must be holistic and transformational in our evangelism; and we must do evangelism in the context of mission. Holistic ministry is an approach to mission that considers the whole of humanity without compartmentalizing it. Because evangelism is holistic, we cannot divide its parts. When Jesus brings the child, the outcast and the weak into the center of society, justice is done and the Good News is proclaimed. When, in the name of Jesus, street children learn to read and write, eat healthy meals and are protected from police brutality, the Good News is proclaimed. We fully realize that only people can repent and receive Christ, but people are social beings within social structures. The gospel announces the lordship of Christ over the whole cosmos, including its society, structures and systems. What criterion decides that racism and structural injustice are social issues but pornography and abortion personal? Why is politics shunned and declared to fall outside of the competence of the evangelist? Walter Wink states that Jesus did not just forgive sinners, He gave them a new world. If this is true, then we rule out the idea that evangelism and social action are two separate segments or components of mission. Evangelism, for Christ, was transformation. This transformation influenced the whole of society and the whole of humanity. It demanded a response – either total acceptance or total rejection. Christ’s announcement of the coming Kingdom of God included community building, confrontation, liberation, hope, repentance, forgiveness of sins, persecution, healing, miracles and
discipleship. Biblically, we are not called merely to supply a different interpretation of the world history and of human nature, but to transform them in expectation of a divine transformation. Whether it is to the god of money, the god of sex, or the god of power, the gospel of the Kingdom announces the end to false gods, and their reordering and consummation into a new Kingdom. We can no longer understand evangelism as mere words. We can no longer hold evangelism in one hand and social justice in the other while claiming that we are faithful to biblical evangelism. We can no longer democratize evangelism by submitting it to public opinion for its acceptance. Instead, we must acknowledge the totality of biblical evangelism: Jesus is Master of all, will be all in all, and is turning the kingdoms of this world on their heads. Could it be that we have re-defined evangelism to suit our own lifestyles and forfeited biblical evangelism because it is too radical? Biblical evangelism is Jesus’ Good News to the poor, imprisoned, crippled, deaf and blind; biblical evangelism is Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and to become His disciple; biblical evangelism is Jesus’ call to service in the reign of God; biblical evangelism is a call to mission. Our hope is that we lay our ideas and misconceptions before Jesus, where they can be transformed and radicalized. Our prayer is that by His Spirit, we may be Christ’s heralds, announcing the coming of the new heaven and the new earth, and that the Good News of the Father would truly be Good News to the world.
In His Service, Rev. Martin J. De Silva Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral
Happy Birthday UNITED! This month we celebrate with Dr. Debora C. Hooper and Bishop Christopher T. Cox II.
Happy Birthday to an awesome Pastor, Preacher, Mentor & Author Dr. Debora C. Hooper on Thursday, April 17th!
Happy Birthday Bishop Christopher T. Cox II On Saturday, April 19th, Bishop Cox will be celebrating his birthday. We praise God for the ministry of Bishop Cox, who is not only an exemplary leader and teacher but an even greater father. We love you and wish you a blessed time of celebration. Love Family Life Worship Cathedral.
Tabernacle of Praise Celebrates 21 years of Ministry On Sunday March 30th, Tabernacle of Praise (Cathedral) and Bishop Eric D. Garnes celebrated 21 years of prayer, praise, ministry and miracles. This celebration also marked the 3-year Anniversary of our Capital Campaign. It was a day of rejoicing and praise as we gave God thanks for the firm foundation of His word which abides in our leader, clergy, and the body of Tabernacle. As members brought a special sacrificial seed offering, we thank God for the multiplication and His blessing upon the lives of His people. We thank God for preparing and equipping us to change the face of a community. To God be the glory for the great things He has already done!
There will be time for shopping and all you can eat buffet. Call the administrative office to reserve a ticket (718) 771-9193 or visit us online at www.ncfellowship.net You will be blessed!
Calling all Adjutants and those in leadership within the New York area! Get ready for Boot Camp with Elder Reginald G. King, Adjutant General of United Covenant Churches of Christ. on Friday, May 2nd at 7pm and Saturday, May 3rd at 10am. Workshops will be held at Nazareth Christian Fellowship where Bishop Roberto J. Jemmott is the Senior Pastor and Diocesan of New York State. Make plans to attend this informative workshop as we explore the functions of an Adjutant, the protocol of the church and much more.
Join us for the Affirmation and Pastoral Installation of Pastor Joyce Lott on May 31, 2014 at 10am. St. Lutheran Church 425 N. DuPont Hwy. Dover, DE 19901
Calling all Men – Time to get spiritually fit for the Kingdom of God! Register early for the Nazareth Christian Fellowship Spiritual Iron Man Boot Camp.
Join Faith Assemblies of God on Saturday July 12th for food, music, entertainment, games and much more at their 2014 Annual Family and Friends Church Picnic at Holiday Hill in Cheshire, CT. $83 per adult (12+) $53 per child (3-11) $25 (under 3) *non-refundable $25 deposit required* For more information call Min. Colleen John (718) 208-557 or Angelique John (718) 208-5231.
Pastor & Lady Newsome along with Power of GOD Cathedral are celebrating TEN years of established ministry in Queens, New York. We are celebrating "ONE DECADE" of continuous faithful ministry. Join us as we present our FIRST Banquet in TEN years. We have a ticket reserved just for you. "This is our year of JUBILEE"
"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# 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#
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; 9pm10pm EST (661) 673-8600 access code: 834439# Bishop George E. Gibson, II - Christian Love Worship Cathedral Philadelphia, PA Saturdays 7pm (seven minutes) (218) 862-4152 access code: 533257# *please remember to mute your phones*
Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one. ~Marianne Williamson
Calling ALL Singers, Dancers and Musicians‌.We will see you at the 2014 Total Praise National Music Conference! www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
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