United times Special Edition
December 7, 2016
‘Tis the season we celebrate in blessing others more than ourselves. Greetings to all who are members of the body called UNITED. As we enter the season of gifts to the earth, we recognize the gift we all are to our families, friends and the body of Christ. It has been said, “no man is an island”, thus we cannot survive nor achieve here on earth without bringing our gifts together to accomplish the goals of life. No one should ever be slighted and no one should ever slight their gift to this earth, thus we rejoice in who everyone is and what we offer to the world. So, I am taking time to say “thank you” for being a gift to the earth and using your gifts to make the earth better. UNITED, because we exist to help our local churches thrive, we will make it our conscientious effort to empower and build the people of our churches through the use of their gifts to the earth that are eventually used in your church to move the visions. This season we will give more, help more and sacrifice more to make our gifts become a blessing and impact the lives of everyone who comes into fellowship in and beyond our circle. With that said, allow me to introduce some of the first appointments that will commence to push UNITED to the next dimension and direct our gathering in the UPWARD direction for the benefit of our local ministries and strong communication for growth. These gifts represent some of our gems and I ask that you receive this first group and stand by for more gifts to emerge in the body of UNITED. Enjoy your holidays, prepare for a great 2017, and let’s do it together. Your Chief Servant,
Bishop Eric D. Garnes, D.Min, MPS Presiding Prelate
Bishop Norman J. Hairston, II General Treasurer We are excited about the new assignment upon the life of Bishop Norman J. Hairston, II, with spiritual integrity and trust of the UNITED body as our new General Treasurer. Bishop Hairston is the proud Senior Pastor of Zion Progressive Cathedral International, Inc. Gary, Indiana and Father of three children. Having faithfully served UNITED for a number of years, in 2006, he was appointed Overseer for the State of Indiana. In 2010, he became the CEO of City of Zion, Inc., and in July of 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia he was consecrated a Bishop in the Lord's House. Bishop Hairston has served as CEO and Spiritual Advisor for many music ministries in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Indiana. He has been the featured guest on Rev. Pharis Evans Jr.'s CD entitled "Ready, Willing and Able", Dr. Booker J. Person's CD entitled, "I Trust in God", also James Lewis and the Unik Voices of Faith of Houston, Texas CD entitled "Just For Me", Bishop Larry D. Trotter's CD entitled "How Far Back Can You Go" and most recently Clark Road Baptist Church CD entitled "Classic Church" He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. Bishop Hairston is committed to his community and serves on various boards and organizations. He has served on, Calumet Township Workforce Advisory Council, Founder of City of Zion, Inc., Advisory Council Urban League of Northwest Indiana. He presently serves on Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson Gary for Life and Stop the Violence, President of the Interfaith Clergy Council of Northwest Indiana, member of One Church One School, Second Chance Foundation, Gary City Drug Court Program, City of Gary Police Department Chaplain and Lake County Sheriff Police Chaplaincy, Commissioner and Chairman of the Gary Civil Service Fire Commission Board, Gary Genesis Convention Center Board and many others.
Bishop George E. Gibson Chairman, House of Bishops We celebrate God as Bishop George E. Gibson, II has been appointed to the Chair to the House of Bishops. As the Founder and Shepherd of the Christian Love Worship Cathedral located in Wilmington, DE, his additional responsibilities include the mid-Atlantic region as the Diocesan Bishop. Bishop Gibson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Intermediate Education at Winston-Salem State University. He is a member of the organizational brotherhood, Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In addition, his basketball distinction as a celebrated sports figure placed him as a top round draft contender. During the 1977 NBA Draft, Bishop Gibson was picked in the 4th round by the Philadelphia 76’ers. Upon graduation, he enrolled in the Lutheran Theological Seminary for the Master of Divinity degree program, and the Doctor of Ministry program. Having pastored for 33 years and preaching the Gospel for 40 years he is a true servant. During the summer of 2008, Bishop Gibson was consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Lord’s Church. In 2010 they birthed a second location in Wilmington, DE. In 2012, following the voice of the Lord, and after 29 years of ministering in Philadelphia, Christian Love Worship Cathedral relocated to Wilmington, DE bringing the flock to One Church, One Nation, Under God! THE LOVE NATION!!! A Preacher’s Preacher and spiritual father to many Pastors across the Nation - his foreign missions work has allowed him to carry the Gospel to South Africa, Israel and the Caribbean Islands, often providing medical and educational tools to support & mentor. Bishop Gibson is the acclaimed author of "90X45: The Game of Life". He travels extensively promoting his message of "Living within the 90X45 boundaries, of the game, called LIFE". His love for people, and vision for Christian Love Worship Cathedral is shared by his wife, First-Lady Prophetess Tricia Gibson. Bishop & Prophetess Gibson have three children, Noelle, Toi and Kyle.
Overseer Frank T. Robinson, II Administrator General to the Office of the Presiding Prelate Moving and operating with the heart of our Presiding Prelate we introduce our new Administrator General, Overseer Frank Robinson, II, operating out of the office of the Presiding Prelate. Overseer Robinson has served UNITED faithfully for well over 10 years. He brings to this position strong, professional, well-polished administrative gifts that will be sure to bless and serve the body of United. He has served Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and the Northwest Congress of Christian Education as a Youth Director. He was the Vice President of the National Youth Congress under (then National Youth President) Bishop Derek Triplett and was appointed the National Youth President. Under his leadership, the (National Youth) Congress branched into a new season - branding the National Youth Congress as “Uc3”, which is identified by its own logo, introducing Mime, Step Teams, choir and youth talent show. He is the author of “Today’s Youth…Tomorrow’s Leaders”, the establishmentarian of Praise2Him, Inc. – a consulting company providing leadership training and social media management. He has 25+years of experience working as a Healthcare/Business Office Consultant for various organizations. He is the founder of “Greater Impact”, a school mentoring program, and serves on various boards. His educational accomplishments spans from Salem Bible Institute, Combs College of Music, LaSalle University, a degree from Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and he is currently a student at Vintage Bible College and Seminary. As a former Senior Pastor in the Pennsylvania area and Youth Pastor in North Carolina, Overseer Robinson is a great example of having patience in the pilgrimage. We welcome our brother in his new position and assumption of responsibilities as he will be an integral part in propelling the office of the Presiding Prelate and body of United as we seek to go higher!
Overseer Allan H. Gray Special Assistant to the Assistant Presiding Bishop To inaugurate our continued progress in advancing the kingdom, it is with much joy we introduce one that has been called to duty, our new Special Assistant to the Assistant Presiding Bishop, Overseer Allan H. Gray, operating out of the office of the Assistant Presiding Bishop. In 2005, the Lord led Overseer and Lady Gray to plant NuVision Kingdom Life Center in Maryland, a community based church. As Senior Pastor he has focused the church's mission on transforming the community into the Kingdom; one person, one family and one block at a time, by creating an authentic encounter with God. Overseer Gray is a certified Biblical Entrepreneur instructor and business coach with Nehemiah Project, an international multi-cultural kingdom corporation.
After joining United in 2010 Allan H. Gray has had the privilege of teaching at each Holy Convocation and The Celebrate United 2016 in New York. He’s also ministered at the leadership retreats in Tampa and Las Vegas. He and Lady Monica served as Convocation Hosts for two years before he was promoted to Convocation Coordinator and then elevated to Overseer of Events. Being educated through Morgan State University, Light House College and Regent University, Overseer Gray has also been offered an Honorary Doctorate from Virginia University of Lynchburg. Overseer and Lady Monica live in Maryland with their three children who are saved and love the Lord. Many of us have sat under Overseer Gray’s leadership in workshops and witnessed the dimensions of leadership and impartation he delivers. We are excited about all that Overseer Gray continues to bring to the “UNITED” table! We welcome him in his new position in this new season!
Overseer Reggie Hall Dean, Christian Education Overseer Reggie Hall's Christian and ministerial journey began under the spiritual leadership of Bishop Liston Page, Sr., presiding prelate of the Greater Highway Deliverance Temple Ministries, Inc. He credits his elevation and growth to the awesomeness of God's grace and the spiritual wisdom and anointing of Bishop Liston Page, Sr. as well as his son Bishop Liston Page, II. Now, under the auspicious apostolic leadership and covering of Bishop Eric D. Garnes, presiding prelate of the United Covenant Churches of Christ and as the newly appointed dean of the Center for Theological Studies of UCCC, Overseer Hall seeks to ever expand the ecumenical and educational vision of our presiding bishop. Through partnerships with some of our nation’s prominent and well respective seminaries and theologians, Overseer Hall seeks to equip the leadership of UCCC with the essential theological framework that will allow them to be relevant and effective ministry leaders in our parishes and communities. He increased his education and knowledge by obtaining an A.S. in Management from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I.; a B.A. in Philosophy from Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, New Jersey; and a M.A. in Education from Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City, New Jersey. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation (Ed.D.) entitled: Ambidextrous Educational Leadership - A New Paradigm in Urban K-12 Administration and Supervision at Saint Peter’s University. Additionally, his formal theological training was accomplished at Seton Hall University’s Immaculate Conception Theological Seminary, South Orange, New Jersey. As Under Shepherd of the St. Paul Baptist Church for over eleven years, he has led the church to New Vitality—New Vision—New Victory through the word of God. He has launched a new ministry with his wife - Progressive Faith Ministries, Inc. and Progressive Faith Community Development Corp. Inc.; both ministries dedicated to advancing the message of Christ and addressing the needs of pastors, leaders, laity, community members and stakeholders through the paradigm of Kingdom building principles, while simultaneously undergirding our youth as the leaders of our tomorrow.
Pastor H. Aurelia Jemmott National Director of Operations and Logistics Pastor H. Aurelia Jemmott is called for such a time as this, to serve a generation through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. She is known for her spirit of excellence and order. She serves as Co-Pastor of Nazareth Christian Fellowship in Brooklyn, New York, under the capable leadership of her husband, Bishop Roberto Jemmott. An energetic leader, she is endowed with the gift of administration, she preaches with power, teaches with authority, and counsels with compassion. She is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Nazareth Christian Fellowship. W.I.N. (Women in Nazareth) creates programs and outlets that empower and encourage women. Following the pattern of Christ, W.I.N reaches out to women in shelters to share the Gospel, evangelize the unconverted and feed the hungry. She has conducted breast cancer awareness seminars, conferences, and holistic workshops. Pastor Jemmott has been in business in kingdom-building for more the 25 years. She has preached, taught and facilitated workshops throughout the US. She has worked in various ministries served as Sunday school and Bible study teacher, Couple ministry, Children’s Church director, among numerous other servant leader roles. She served for six years as the Director of Logistics and Operations (2009-2015) for United Covenant Churches of Christ (UCCC). Pastor Jemmott worked closely with the General Overseer and Presiding Prelate, Bishop Eric D. Garnes, and managed the logistics and staffing of the fellowship’s international conferences. Equipped with great wisdom and much patience, she was a steady arm that ensured that each event was carried out with the excellence for which UCCC is known. She has earned a bachelor degree in Sociology from Brooklyn College and a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University. Pastor Jemmott and her husband are the proud parents of one daughter.
Pastor J. Marcellas Williams Advancing Track and Project Director
As we introduce UNITED on new levels we will create and educate potential ambassadors. The methodology will be collaborated through the efforts of Pastor J. Marcellas Williams as the new UCCC Advancing Track Project Director. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Pastor J. Marcellas Williams graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jacksonville, FL as a Vocal Major. Immediately after graduating he was appointed over the music department for his father’s church, Greater New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church. In January of 2001, he answered the call to preach the gospel and was licensed. Continuing to hear God he was led to open a successful Christian club in 2002 called "Soul Remedy." In the fall of 2006 he attained an Associates of Arts Degree in Biblical Education from Beulah Heights Bible College, Atlanta, GA and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. After much prayer God led Pastor Williams to take the torch as Pastor of Vision Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. He was ordained in December 2006. In January 2007 he began pastoring and faithfully served VBC for nine months. He became the founder and Pastor of Life Church International Jacksonville, Inc. resulting in ministry growth. In 2009, as an affiliate of UCCC, he served as the Deputy Adjutant General. He also currently serves as a Chaplain for University of Florida Health Jacksonville since 2013 and as a radio personality on the nationally syndicated DL Hughley Radio Show since 2014. Pastor Williams is also the founder of J. Marcellas Enterprise which has published two books: “Wealth on Purpose” with two companion workbooks and "21 Days to a Better You". Pastor J. Marcellas Williams is married to the love of his life Marquita Denise Green and they have three wonderful children.
Elder Rory J. Marshall Editor, United Times & Website Coordinator As UNITED continues to evolve, it is the heart of our Presider that we enhance our current levels of technology and presentation across a diverse audience. Therefore, we are excited to introduce our new UNITED Times Editor and one that will have oversight to the UNITED website, Elder Rory Marshall. Elder Marshall (aka Elder RJ) is a graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Ok. Where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International and Community Development having minored in Pastoral Care. He is also a graduate of Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL where his studies were commemorated with a Master of Arts degree in Urban Christian Ministries. Presently, he attends Bakke University, in Dallas, TX pursuing a Doctoral degree in Transformational Leadership. Additionally, Elder Marshall oversees “Rory Marshall Innovations” a consulting firm that specializes in personal and ministry development and “Marshall Initiative Group”, an organization that empowers individuals through educational initiatives. He has proven abilities to multitask, adhere to timelines and communicate effectively in the midst of magnified responsibilities. He serves as the Lead Pastor of “Greater Church” located in Desoto, TX. Elder RJ and his wife Lady Kristan along with their daughter McKenzie reside in Dallas, TX. Please help us welcome Elder “RJ” Marshall as he assumes a great responsibility in presenting “UNITED” to the masses!
Marissa Ibáñez National Director of Communications
A native of the Republic of Panama, Marissa Ibáñez is as fluent in Spanish as she is in her command of the English language. Raised in New York City, Marissa is a Brooklynite who cheers for the Mets and believes there's no team finer than the Nets. At the age of 19, she began her career at the New York City Fire Museum. Responsible for the growth of the museum's gift shop, her first project was to create a catalog of goods that museum members could purchase. Not knowing how to design at the time, she didn't let that hold her back. Instead, she forged on by teaching herself the software that enabled her to complete the task successfully. If there is one word to describe Marissa, it would be “tenacious.” She never gives up and she never folds — she arms herself with knowledge, surrounds herself with a team of individuals who can make the vision a reality and moves forward with a can-do attitude. For the past 18 years, Marissa has been an integral part of the Communications team for the 1199SEIU Funds, which provides comprehensive benefits to members of one of the nation’s largest unions, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. She approaches her responsibilities at the Funds not only as an employee but as a member who is receiving the same quality of care that's afforded to and enjoyed by millions of Union members. Armed with a passion for design, Marissa has been afforded the opportunity to develop signature brands for an impressive array of clients like the United Covenant Churches of Christ, the Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral, TAMU and the NYC Pilot Shop. Whether your organization is large or small, she will treat it with the care, respect and attention it deserves, and will work hard to bring your vision to reality.
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As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F. Kennedy