United times February 2014 Volume 2
We Celebrate National Black History Month If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. ~Isaac Newton
General Board Bishop Sheldon M. McCarter Assistant Presiding Prelate
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
Pastor Martin J. DeSilva Major General – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost
Elder Jacqueline Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry
Elder Reginald King Adjutant General
Bishop Rory Marshall National Director of Men’s Ministry
Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Letter From the Editor Grace and peace be unto you UNITED, We have heard powerful reports from those in attendance at our Winter Leadership Summit, with testimonies still trickling in. God is a wonder and we continue to give Him thanks for this pre-ordained time of growth and blessing upon our leaders. We are hitting the ground running as we gear up for the 2014 Total Praise National Music Conference – just weeks away. We are going higher and you do not want to miss what God has in store! We also take the time to remember how far we have come as a people as we continue in our celebration of Black History Month. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and we move forward in the power and favor of the Lord. Pastor Angela Walker has some final words to offer the History Maker in YOU and we pray that you are blessed as the glory of the Lord shines upon you. Read on and be blessed UNITED, and above all, continue to stand. In His Service, Annette Parkins Editor www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WINTER LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2014 “You m ight wa nt t the plac e least e o pay attention xpected . Reviva ” ~Bish l can br op Jam es Cham eak out in bers
“Sunday is the celebration of the service we did Monday through Saturday.” ~Bishop James Dukes
rust” T . y e b ear. O H . n o e ke Gid eairs i l T O “Be H Valerie Ch r ~Pasto
Hello Again History Maker, Here are some tools that I would love for you to take with you. You will always act like the person you THINK you are! You may ask, ‘Who am I’? You are favor! Wrap yourself in favor as if it’s your warmest winter coat. Because you are a history maker, the carrier of Divine Favor, you must decide to not only attract favor, but to also reap favor. Declare that you are a walking magnet for favor. Joseph had favor (Genesis 41) and so did Ruth (Ruth 2). Please understand that people are waiting on you to fail. Satan is hoping that you do not recognize that you are a history maker. Parasites want what is in your hand, and Protégés want what is in your heart. The season of not knowing who you are is OVER! Arise, get thee to Zarephath (1st Kings 17:9). You cannot make history everywhere, but you will make history somewhere. Do not be afraid to move in order to get to your place. God instructed Abraham to leave his kin (Genesis 12). God had already arranged where Abraham would make history, and God has already arranged your place! Make the decision, be disciplined, and be determined to accomplish your goals. Move Forward, History Maker!
Pastor Angela Walker God’s House of Divine Revelation Church Chicago, IL
…he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30b Join Nazareth Christian Fellowship February 21, 2014 7:30pm 576 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233
All are invited to join Bishop Anthony C. Hanna, Sr., Prophetess Althea Hanna & the Faith Fellowship of Churches & Ministries, Inc. for our 5th Annual Prayer Conference! We will pray, worship, learn & fellowship around the theme, "Cover Me In Prayer". We will be reminded how we ought to pray for one another instead of exposing one another. We are looking for an epic time in The Lord with our Conference Preacher, Bishop Orlando Wilson of Baltimore, MD! We pray to see you there!
Join us as we celebrate the life of our beloved First Lady Dr. Delicia B. Garnes Sunday, February 23, 2013 with guest speakers: 7:30am Co-Pastor Subrenia McDaniel (The Lord’s Church at the Triangle) 11:00am Pastor Leslie Christie (Kingdom Church International)
Got questions about your ministry or ministry gift?
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Get this book in your hands and get answers!
What Evangelism ISN’T… I remember as a little child hugging my father's leg at a baseball game, only to realize it wasn't his leg I was hugging. I was embarrassed! It was a case of mistaken identity. In the matter of evangelism, I'm concerned about a number of things that people take to be evangelism that aren't. This case of mistaken identity can have consequences more serious than mere embarrassment. Let me mention five things mistaken for evangelism. Imposition – Probably the most common objection to evangelism today is, "Isn't it wrong to impose our beliefs on others?" The way evangelism is often done, I can understand the confusion! But when you understand what the Bible presents as evangelism, it's really not a matter of imposing your beliefs. It's important to understand that the message you are sharing is not merely an opinion but a fact. When you evangelize, you are presenting the Christian gospel. You didn't invent it, and you have no authority to alter it. Personal Testimony – One of the classic testimonies was given by a blind man Jesus healed. When he was questioned, he responded, "Whether he [Jesus] is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25). The man disregarded the threats of those more honored and respected than he in order to give this verbal witness to the power of God. It's a powerful testimony, but there is no gospel in it. The man didn't even know who Jesus was. An account of a changed life is a wonderful and inspiring thing, but it's the gospel of Jesus Christ that explains what it's all about and how it happened. Social Action and Public Involvement – Being involved in mercy ministries may help to commend the gospel, which is why Jesus taught, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Displaying God's compassion and kindness by our actions is a good and appropriate thing for Christians to do. Such actions
commend the gospel, but they share it with no one. To be evangelism, the gospel must be clearly communicated, whether in written or oral form. When our eyes fall from God to humanity, social ills replace sin, horizontal problems replace the fundamental vertical problem between us and God, and winning elections eclipses winning souls. Apologetics – Like the activities we've considered above, apologetics itself is a good thing. We are instructed by Peter to be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Pet. 3:15). Apologetics does just that by engaging in conversations and answering questions and objections people may have about God or Christ, or about the Bible or the message of the gospel. This can be a significant way to introduce honest discussions about the gospel. Apologetics is responding to the agenda that others set. By far the greatest danger in apologetics is being distracted from the main message. The Results of Evangelism – Finally, one of the most common and dangerous mistakes in evangelism is to misinterpret the results of evangelism—the conversion of unbelievers—for evangelism itself. Who can deny that much modern evangelism has become emotionally manipulative, seeking simply to cause a momentary decision of the sinner's will, yet neglecting the biblical idea that conversion is the result of the supernatural, gracious act of God toward the sinner? When we are involved in a program in which converts are quickly counted and evangelism is gauged by its immediately obvious effect, we are involved in undermining real evangelism and real church. Evangelism itself isn’t converting people, the Christian call to evangelism is sharing the good news about Jesus Christ and telling others about the way of salvation through him.
In His Service, Rev. Martin J. De Silva Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral
Come honor and celebrate our Senior Pastor Dina Hubert for her 4th Pastoral Anniversary. Our theme this year is "DOUBLE FOR YOUR TROUBLE." This event is scheduled for: Friday February 28th at 7:30pm with Bishop Orlando Findlayter Sunday March 2nd at 11:30am with Dr. Wilhelmina Godfrey Closing with our Covering & Overseer Bishop Eric D. Garnes Sunday March 2nd at 5pm. We anticipate a mighty move of God as we gather to celebrate our God given vessel. Looking forward to your support and presence.
Women of UNITED Please join us for our monthly national prayer Saturday March 1st at 7am EST/6am CST. We are happy to welcome the awesome ministry gift of Pastor Carol Harris, senior pastor of Ecclesia Family Worship Center in Dover, DE. Pastor Carol will be sharing with us a timely, heartfelt word of wisdom and empowerment. Ladies, be sure to set your alarms and Dial (712) 432-0075 Access code: 502676 I am looking forward to fellowshipping with all of our UNITED Churches. Don’t miss this appointed time of prayer and power! In His Service, Elder Jackie Marshall
Mark your calendars for these Annual United Covenant Churches of Christ conferences!
Total Praise National Music & Arts Conference – April 2-5 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Reserve your room at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center ($129/night) (410) 752-1100
UCCC National Holy Convocation July 22-26 Reserve your room at the Sheraton Baltimore North Center ($109/night) (410) 321-7400
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Through the grace of God, Pastor J. Marcellas Williams has finally finished his first book entitled "Wealth On Purpose". It focuses on biblical principles of how to gain, govern and give wealth. The testimonies on how this teaching has helped and blessed so many are endless.
This is not a money message but rather a wealth message that includes money. Get your copy today and start your journey to Wealth On Purpose! www.amazon.com
Do you Zumba?
Try something different for 2014 – or maybe you already enjoy Zumba! Come out to this dance aerobic fitness class featuring dance movements inspired by Latin, Caribbean and Hip Hop dance. You will enjoy a fun filled way to lose weight and be healthy. See You There!!!
Daughters of Zelophehad of Tabernacle of Praise Presents Women’s Conference 2014 He Sets a Table Before Me March 6-9, join us for a dynamic gathering and a life-changing experience as we dine at the Master’s table. Come with expectancy! Evening services are FREE, but join us on Saturday March 8th for an awesome dramatic presentation, panel discussion and luncheon! Call (718) 451-2143 to register and for more information.
Get Your Copy TODAY! Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church is excited about Bishop McCarter's first release!! Order your copy of his 40-day devotional, Be Ye Transformed! Go to www.gcacc.org and click on the billboard.
February is Black History Month As a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African American's contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. By the time of Woodson's death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African American life and substantial progress had been made in bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration. At mid–century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, fifty years after the first celebration, the association held the first African American History Month. (Excerpt from an essay by Daryl Michael Scott, Howard University, for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) Visit www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov for events, exhibition, lesson plans and more.
"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*
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Calling ALL Singers, Dancers and Musicians‌.Register and make your hotel reservations today for 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