United times OCTOBER 2014 Volume 2
General Board Bishop Eric D. Garnes Presiding Prelate
Bishop Glenn E. Livingston Assistant Presiding Prelate
Bishop Roberto Jemmott General Treasurer
Bishop James E. Dukes National Director of Social Justice
Bishop James R. Chambers Secretary General
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
Sister Edna Capers National Director of Ushers
Chairmen
Bishop Orlando A. Wilson National Director of Center for Theological Studies
Elder Reginald King Adjutant General
Bishop Leon Wilson National Director of Faith-Based Initiatives
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
Overseer Frank Robinson National Youth Director National Director of Ecclesiastical and Corporate Relations
Bishop George E. Gibson Chairman, House of Bishops
Pastor Terry Hill, II Chairman, Board of Pastors
Letter From the Editor Grace and peace be unto you UNITED, As the fall season arrives, my spirit is always stirred by the wonder and beauty of God. We serve such a creative God whose Hand of renewal, restoration and transition is evident everywhere we go. If you need a word of encouragement or hope in this season, now is the perfect time to take a long look outside your window, and know with assurance that God has not forgotten you! The Grace Seminar in Brooklyn, NY was truly a blessing and we thank God for our South African Family! May the Word of God continue to minister to the hearts and minds of His people and take us from glory to glory. As we highlighted Domestic Violence in the first half of the month, we urge you to please remember that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. Take the time to create an early detection plan and increase awareness of the disease. There is still a healing balm in Gilead! Pastor Leslie Christie continues to minister to the water walker in us all on how to trust in God’s Word When Destiny and Uncertainty Collide, Pt. II. Be encouraged UNITED, and above all, continue to stand. In His Service, Annette Parkins Editor www.unitedcovenantchurches.org
When Destiny and Uncertainty Collide , Pt. II As we continue to consider the dichotomy of destiny and uncertainty, we must understand that we all struggle with the teetering of these two realities. Our destiny is what God has declared is the assignment/calling/purpose of our lives. Yet, how God sees us in the spirit realm never matches up to what we see in the natural – so we sometimes tend to allow doubt, fear and uncertainty to creep in. We must work at always seeing ourselves through the lenses of our Daddy. But how many times have we missed an opportunity because we didn’t take time to prepare, all because our level of uncertainty caused us to not believe Daddy’s declaration over our lives? Too many times, if truth be told. In Matthew 14:22-33, we see an example of destiny and uncertainty colliding. Let’s continue to take a look at this story. I’d like to qualify it, for the purpose of this article, as the human water walker. While the disciples were in the boat, heading to the other side, they got caught in a vicious storm. They understood the destiny that Jesus had given them – to get to the other side. Yet, on their way to their destiny, amongst familiar territory, they encountered a storm more fierce than they had imagined. I would say that this type of storm blindsided them because they probably did not think that Jesus would send them into danger, and then leave them there, seemingly, all alone. ** Have you ever struggled with something and it felt like you were all alone? Have you ever experienced moments in ministry – the same ministry that God called you to – and felt like He was nowhere around? Yes – you, too, were blindsided. The disciples had faith and confidence in Jesus because they did exactly what He told them to do. They did exactly what He told them to do. But when trouble came upon them, they probably did not think to themselves, “Jesus sent us here, so Jesus is going to get us out.” No, they could not have thought that because when Jesus arrived on the scene, walking toward them on water, they did not recognize Him. The reason why they did not recognize Him was because they were used to Jesus arriving on the scene in the same usual manner. But this time, because destiny and uncertainty were at the moment of collision, Jesus had to show up in an unexpected, unimaginable, unfamiliar way.
** When Jesus arrives on the scene of your collision, you CANNOT expect Him to show up in ways that are familiar to you. Jesus is in the business of stretching and expanding faith. Crank your faith up so that when Jesus arrives, you will recognize Him as the great I AM. When the disciples saw Jesus in an unusual, creative and unexpected way - walking across the water toward them – they were seriously startled. No one knew what to do, nor what to say, except Peter – the human water walker. Peter asked, “If that’s you, Lord, bid me to come.” Peter knew that Jesus operated in ways that were inconceivable and unexplainable to the human mind. The only reason Peter walked on water was because of what he HEARD. He heard one word from the Lord - come. How did Peter know it was Jesus when he gave him the word? How did he know to trust the word given to him? It is because Peter knew that ONLY Jesus, our Lord and our Savior, would tell him to do something so out-of-the-box, so irrational, so inconceivable, and so impossible. It was not Peter’s faith in whom He was that caused him to go, but it was Peter’s belief and trust in Jesus’ word that made him step out of the boat. Because you said it Lord, I will… One Word can change your entire life! So when you hear a Word… when you feel a pushing… when you experience a shoving… when you are overwhelmed with a thought – telling you to do something real crazy. Consider walking on water. You don’t need to know what’s going to happen when your feet hits the water. Like John Ortberg says, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.” You thought you were going crazy thinking those thoughts, but you were hearing Jesus speaking that one word into your ears. It didn’t make any sense. It didn’t seem possible. It didn’t seem conceivable. But yes, He called YOU to come. He’s expecting you to trust His Word! You are a Water Walker because Jesus speaks over your life the incredible, the impossible, the inconceivable, the unbelievable. Destiny and uncertainty will never collide again, if you trust God’s word. Just walk! Get out of the boat! Strut you stuff Water Walker, and you will be amazed by what God will do in you, through you, for you, and to you. Pastor Leslie G. Christie Kingdom Church International, Brooklyn, NY
The Joshua Outreach Ministry is a member of United Covenant Churches of Christ in the Republic Of Panama. They are home to a feeding center with a focus on children and their education. On Saturday October 25, 2014 Joshua Ministry will celebrate their 6 Year Anniversary with guest Bishop Christopher T. Cox, II from the Family Life Worship Cathedral. The Team will be traveling to the Republic of Panama to serve our people and our community during the month of October.
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, November 3rd 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.
Come and join us for a night of fun, good food and great fellowship. Family Life Worship Cathedral is hosting "Taste of The Island" on Friday, November 7, 2014 The cost is $20 per ticket. Hope to see you there!
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October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). But millions of women are surviving the disease thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment. Create an Early Detection Plan and invite others to do the same. Find out more information at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancerawareness-month
On Thursday, November 20th, 2014, our Presiding Bishop Dr. Eric D. Garnes, Diocesan Bishop to the Latin American Countries, Bishop Christopher T. Cox II, and Bishop Designate Vladimir Moore, Esq, invite you to travel to the Dominican Republic to be a part of the International Summit under the theme: A Responsible Paternity. Delegates from the USA will travel to the Dominican Republic prior to the Summit to fellowship with our Dominican Republic pastors and spend quality time building relationships & fellowshipping with pastors who will be joining us from various countries around the world. Should you be interested in joining us and for further information, please contact Elder Sheila Williams, Admin. Asst. to the Diocesan for Latin America at familylifewc14@aol.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Women, there are great opportunities for you to get involved in the UCCC Women’s Ministry through our new Book Club, and Social Share Site. GREATER is ahead. Stay posted and make sure you get involved.
Be a part of what God is doing at Christian Love Worship Cathedral! 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 II every Saturday @ 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 conference number is (218) 862-4152 and pass code is 533257. Please remember to mute your phone(s). Join Prophetess Lady Tricia Gibson the 1st Monday of every month @ 6 PM EST for “Hour of Power Prayer� @ 1230 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 Please reach out to us at clwcde@aol.com. We would love to hear from you!
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 October 25, 2014. 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!
Be a part of recording history as the "Sounds of Praise" presents their first live recording project entitled "There's No God, Like our God" featuring three super talented recording artist; P. Renee Credle, Professor Butch Heyward and Reginald McCall on Friday, October 24th! Tickets for this event are $20 for all general admission and $40 for our special VIP guest. All VIP entry includes preferred seating, admission to our special reception following the recording and an exclusive "songplay" For tickets and all other inquiries, please contact our Administrative office at (718) 574-4100.
Save-The-Date Greater Love Ministries celebrates their 9th church anniversary on October 26 at 4pm with guest speaker Bishop James Jones. Special Location: Greater St Mary Church 493-5 Monroe Street, Brooklyn, New York
Pastor Terry and Lady Kim Hill and The Citadel Church are celebrating their 6th year anniversary! This year's theme is "This is MY Church- Committed. Connected. Covenant." Pastor Hill says the church is excited about the current growth and direction of the church. "We are family and everyone is starting to see the church as their own. This is our season!"
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?”
The Spiritual Ironman is the 2nd release from Bishop Roberto Jemmott. In this 40 day journal, he gives insight into disciplining your emotions and shares strong biblical principles on developing your spiritual growth. This is a must read for men and women alike. Add this book to your daily reading collection and challenge your inner man to go to the next level in life! Time to man up!
Now Available on Amazon and iBookstore – Download Today!
Let’s Connect! Ask questions, make comments and join the conversation on Bishop Roberto Jemmott’s new blog! Click HERE http://bishoprobertojemmott.blogspot.com/ and "follow" (google+ users) or “sign up” to receive up to date email notices on the topic of the day and let’s get the answers from God’s Word, the Bible together. http://bishoprobertojemmott.blogspot.com/2014/09/train-them.html?m=1
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!
"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# 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; 9pm10pm 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*
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12
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