DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

Leaders operating out of fear and pride construct their own personal isolation booths and make it increasingly difficult for anyone to get through to them.

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MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST PICTURES

My daughter Sarah, her friend Amanda and my little granddaughter Aviana visited with us on this Memorial Day Celebration. Sister Gigi is smiling in the background.

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST PICTURES

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST PICTURES

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST

WHAT AN AWESOME DAY! We thank God for a great day at our new property on 1125 Northwood drive, just 1/4th mile from the by-pass and 1/4th mile from Veterans Park. We enjoyed the pavilion and all the days activities. Sister Gigi Cummings, West TN Youth Director, opened the day with prayer. The Alton Crossno family brought their sound system and sang several songs - Delilah and Alton blessed us with great worship songs of different genres. Other local talent we enjoyed were Lori and Paul Rivera, Ronnie Eaton, Austin Mummel and, I sang a couple. We had a great time. There was grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and all types of soft-drinks and desserts. The weather was very hot but the shade of the pavilion and the breeze that God sent during the day kept us fairly cool and refreshed. Of course there were some young folks who had water ballons and some of us got a refreshing whether we wanted it or not. It was all in fun.

THANK GOD FOR AN AWESOME DAY!

Hopefully there will be some pictures coming later.

MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE FROM TN STATE OVERSEER E. C. MCKINLEY

Throughout the United States, and in territories and U.S. Military bases people have spent the day remembering those who have fallen in service to their country. I am so thankful to say that I served six years in the United States Army, the beginning of those six years during the standing down of the Vietnam conflict.

Click here http://tncogop.blogspot.com/ to read more.

UPDATE - PAVILLION

I was with the men most of the day yesterday who were working on the roof and electricity at the pavillion. It is 95% completed and ready to be used for the Memorial Day celebration. Special thanks to J. E. Moore for overseeing this project - getting the materials and doing most of the work on the framing and getting the roofing and concrete done. Also thanks to Leon Reynolds for getting materials and doing the wiring for the lights and to Jimmie and Jeff Davis (and grandson Jacob) for getting the materials and doing the wiring for the electrical outlets. The pavillion is very nice and will be a place where we can have picnics, outside devotionals, homecoming and other meals, cookouts, family reunions and other events.

We thank God for this project being done.

NOTE: Hopefully there will be pictures in the future. My computer has a gliche in it and pictures will not upload as I have tried several times over the past several weeks.

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST

Plans are well underway for the Memorial Day Youth Blast at the new church property on Northwood Drive between the by-pass and Veterans Park. Guest singers will be the Alton Crossno Family with daughters Delilah, Denise and father Alton. There will be other local singers. There will be grilled out food, fun, games, fellowship, worship and other activities sponsored by the youth. Gigi Cummings, West TN Youth Director, will be a special guest and will be sharing with us as well. Brother Paul Rivera, Huntingdon COGOP Youth Director, is working on getting some things together for the youth. The activities start at 12:00 noon and food will be served shortly after. The activities will continue throughout the afternoon until 5 pm or later.

BRING YOUR CHAIR AND COME ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES!

UPDATE NEW CHURCH PROPERTY - PAVILLION

The new pavillion is very much underway on the property on Northwood Drive (we don't have a street number yet but will get one soon). The trusses have been installed and the concrete has been poured. The metal roof is to be put on later this week - Friday or Saturday. The electricity should be done later this week and insullation will be put in so rain won't drown out our voices when we meet there. We are believing that the pavillion will be finished for the Memorial Day Youth Blast. Brother J. E. told me that the concrete was being poured at 8 am this morning and that some men were hired to put the metal roof on. We are thankful for the progress on the property. We are praying that plans for a new sanctuary will be drawn up soon. Brother James Moore drew a platte of the property and a building. We will continue working on paying the property off and will have a ground-breaking ceremony before the building is started. The pavillion is just the beginning of our development on the new church property. To God be the glory. We continue to seek Him for favor and grace!

DEVOTIONAL

Lead Like Jesus

Leading like Jesus requires developing a perspective and standard for moment-to-moment decision-making based on the way God sees things.

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EXTREME LEADERSHIP STYLES

REACTIVE LEADER

Feels the need to have his or her own answers.

Is tell oriented.

Makes all the decisions personally.

Pushes the organization for results.

Analyzes, analyzes, analyzes.

Creates sporadic motivation.

Is highly opinionated.

Teaches subordinates to expect direction.

Is afraid of loosing control.

Focuses on finding and fixing problems.

Quick to fire or dismiss those who fail.

CREATIVE LEADER

Has no ego-driven need to have all his or her own answers.

Is listen oriented.

Empowers the people to make decisions.

Pulls the organization toward a vision.

Listens to intuition and discernment.

Generates lasting commitment.

Is open-minded.

Teaches importance of self-responsibility.

Models self-responsibility.

Knows relaxing control yields results.

Focuses on building on strengths.

Teaches how to learn from mistakes.

QUOTES

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. Norman Vincent Peale

Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand. Chinese Proverb

By examining and understanding the past, we can move into the future unencumbered by it. We become free to express ourselves, rather than endlessly trying to prove ourselves. Warren Bennis

MEMORIAL DAY YOUTH BLAST

This coming Monday, May 29th is the Memorial Day Youth Blast at the new property on Northwood. West TN Youth Director, Gigi Cummings and Huntingdon Youth Director Paul Rivera and others are working to make this a great day for the youth in Huntingdon and surrounding churches at our new church property. We are planning singing, cook-out (bring your grilling foods, etc.), games, testimonials and worship to almighty God.

Brother J. E. Moore, Brother Leon Reynolds and others are there today working on the pavillion. We hope it will be ready for the day on Monday - if not we will still have a great time and will enjoy the day.

COME ONE COME ALL TO THIS GREAT DAY OF CELEBRATION!

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO INCLEMENT WEATHER DATE FOR THIS EVENT. IN CASE OF RAIN THERE WILL BE ANOTHER EVENT PLANNED IN THE FUTURE.

SINCERE MESSAGE FROM PASTOR GORDON

This post is for any and all who may read this and particularly to the members and friends of the Church of God of Prophecy in Huntingdon, TN.

First, let me say, "Thank you", to those who have been understanding and prayerful over the past couple months with our "out of pocket situation." Most, if not all, of the members and friends of the church here know that my wife took a teaching job in Nashville a couple months ago. She tried for almost two years to get a teaching position with no offer (with ten years experience and a heart for teaching children) and also applied for a number of other jobs. A job at Wal-Mart just did not work out for her or us (they promised no times would be scheduled for Sunday services and the first Sunday she was scheduled and it was clear that she would be scheduled during those times again). We have now travelled the two hour one way trip for many of those days over the past two months (occasionally we stay overnight in the Nashville area somewhere). Karen has done this to help our family meet financial needs (medical insurance, auto payments, college expenses, etc. etc. etc.) which were becoming more pressing as days went by. I will not divulge the details here but we spent out much more than our income last year. The church here does the best that it can (I believe) and we do not begrudge what we receive in the ministry - never have, never will. We are blessed with people who love their Pastor and family and show it in ways beyond just physical needs.

Secondly, this does not mean I am resigning or leaving the church here because Karen is working some two hours away. I have arranged my schedule so that I can be in Huntingdon in a very short time (or whereever a member or friend may be) any time an emergency or urgency arises. We feel God has placed us here and want to continue until He is finished.

Thirdly, the efforts to pay the new property off and to develop the property are needs this church has and we desire to be active participants in this (we are). We feel we can help more by having this extra income.

Last, but certainly not least, the vision that I believe God has given us for this church (restoration of members in particular, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and being actively involved in the Great Commission by the power and unction of the Great Command) are foremost in my daily prayers and actions. This vision, I believe, must become the heartbeat of the church here. In time, God will give us a mission statement and it will be a continual flow in implementation and development.

Be encouraged to pray together, love together, give together, reach out together, mature together and become a more vibrant team for Jesus Christ in Huntingdon and Carroll County, Tennessee.

By God's grace and our daily surrender to Him - WE WILL! To HIM be all glory, honor and praise!

NOTE: Anyone who needs further clarification on the above can speak to me personally. I am open to speak with you.

GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS

Jonathan Davidson's graduation celebration was held at his family's home today after church services. Sister Karen and I could not be there as we had to take care of some pressing matters. We sent a card and gift with Cathy Boone, Jonathan's aunt. Jonathan's graduation ceremony will be Monday night beginning at 7:30 pm at Huntingdon High School.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Both services today were blessed with the presence of the Lord. We are very thankful for each one who was present. God blessed in our Sunday School classes as we studied "The Meekness of Chirst." The message by the Pastor was "The Final Test" and dealt with the Apostle Paul's statement, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course." We were challenged "fight the good fight and run the good race."

UPDATE - NEW CHURCH PROPERTY

Karen and I went by the new church property. Brother J. E. Moore continues to work on the pavillion to get it ready for the May 29th Memorial Day Youth Blast. All ten poles to the pavillion are up now and concreted. Sister Karen and I helped to lift and set the last one. Brother J. E. tells me that two other men are coming next Tuesday to help install the trusses. Also, the concrete man has given a price of $300.00 to finish the concrete floor. Thank you Brother J. E. for all the hard work and for spearheading this project.

CONGRATULATIONS

Karen and I went by the Grace's and gave Lee a graduation card and wished him well. He graduated from high school. He plans to attend vocational school. He said, "I'll be glad when its over tonight. There were several there from his family and he was getting ready to leave. We let the family know that we appreciate them and hope they are doing well. Sister Joyce thanked us and then we left.

UPDATE

Sister Karen and I visited the family of Sister Mary Moore's family at the Clarksville, TN COGOP on Wed. May 17. There were many family and friends that we renewed acquaintance with. Sister Moore was well loved by many and was a faithful "warrior of the cross of Jesus Christ."

Today, I helped sing in the choir. We sang the song ("I'm Bound For That City") that Brother and Sister Moore sang many times. There were other special songs that paid tribute to Sister Mary's life. The ministers also shared different thoughts of Sister Moore's life. A highlight was when her granddaughter's (Michelle) husband read a paper that Sister Mary wrote about her life and also when her grandson, Billy Moore, spoke about her life. Also, Windell, her son, read a tribute to his mother which was very interesting, pertinent and inspirational. I felt the love and respect this family has for this pioneer who has gone on to be with the Lord and her husband. Brother Bill is no longer saying, "come on Mary." This was a humerous side ("come on Mary") of the ceremony as both Billy and Windell noted that Sister Mary never got in a hurry. She no longer has to be in a hurry, as she can praise the Lord, be with her husband and little son who died and enjoy the Lord throughout eternity. She is waiting for us. . . . .to "come on."

UPDATE - NEW CHURCH PROPERTY

The new church property now has electricity and water. Brother J. E. Moore also dug the holes for the first five posts of the pavillion and set them. We are praying and believing the pavillion will be ready by the Memorial Day Youth Blast. We are exited about what God is doing and believe great things are ahead for the church here. Huntingdon, lets keep praying, reaching out, and giving God all the worship and praise! HE IS WORTHY!

UPDATE - SISTER MARY MOORE

Sister Mary Moore, licensed Evangelist, and spouse of deceased Evangelist James (Bill) Moore went to be with the Lord today. She is the mother of Pastor Windell Moore of the Gallatin, TN church and of Chris Moore and Tommy Moore. She has several grandchildren. The time in the hospital today with the family was sad, yet joyous. There were prayers, songs, scriptures and words of comfort and encouragement as the family was by her bedside as she slipped into the "arms of Jesus." She will lie in state at the Clarksville, TN Church of God of Prophecy for visitors on Wed., May 17, from 5-8 pm and the funeral will be there on Thursday at 1 pm. Reverand Lloyd Davis will officiate.

NOTICE: At the time when this was first posted this editor was informed that Lloyd Davis would be the officiating minister. It was later learned that Rev. Bob Creasy (Clarksville COGOP), Rev. Richard Neal (Erin COGOP) and Rev. House of the Church of God in Clarksville officiated the funeral.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING

Karen and I were invited to go with Don and Cathey for a meal after church. We had an enjoyable time but had to wait a long time for the meal and then had to go to another place to get served. The fellowship was great anyway.

On our way home, Karen and I stopped by and visited with Bonnie (Crossno) Curtis and wished her a happy Mother's Day. She was on her way to a Mother's Day tea in the dining room of the Nursing Home. We wished her well and will visit again.

Karen and I spent the rest of the evening and night at home resting. I gave her two Mothers Day cards (one humorous and one serious) and some bathing items for Mothers Day. We enjoyed a time of resting and relaxing. The service was dismissed for Sunday Evening for each one to spend with family and especially with mothers.

Brother Jimmie Davis came by at 6 pm for church. He and his son and daughter and their families went to visit the cemetary and to decorate some of their family's graves. I invited him in and we visited for about 45 minutes and had a great time of fellowhip. He asked about the electricity on the property and how we are coming on getting things ready for Memorial Day. I am thankful for this new brother and family who are coming and are concerned about the work of the church. I gave him a bookmark and candle to take to Sister Davis.

May God help us to reach out to others who need the Lord and a church where they will be loved and find their place in ministry.

SUNDAY - MOTHER'S DAY

Sunday was another blessed day by the Lord. Sunday School was great as we studied about "Faith."

The moring worship service was blessed greatly as we worshipped the Lord. Specail songs by Delilah Mummel, Lori Rivera, Shiloh Johnson and Paul Rivera were a blessing. Shiloh sang a very pertinent song, "My Mother Burns The Midnight Oil In Prayer." I remember well the times I heard my Mother praying - at all times of the night and day. Brother Paul sang "Build My Mansion Next Door to Jesus." Yours truly chimed in with harmony per Brother Paul's request. We were blessed to have several mothers present. The church presented each one with a mother's day bookmark and a scented candle. Sister Karen and Sister Ragene each read a Mother's day poem. The message, "Honor Thy Father and Mother" is a two part message that I plan to finish on Father's day. Honor is a word that is compared to "heavy." Those who are honored are honored because we love them and they bear a "heavy" responsibility.

I gave a short but special synopsis presentation to my wife, Karen, and her love and care to my four children - who are all grown now. She is very special. She took my two older daughters as her own when they were 9 and 7 years old. She has traveled with me in the Pastoral ministry for almost twenty four years (June 2 is our 24th anniversary). She has not complained or balked anywhere that I feel the Lord has led us - which has been in three states and over several thousand miles. I am so thankful for a wife who loves the Lord first of all, and loves her husband and family very much. She is teaching school today to help us meet the needs of our family and of the church. God has a special place in His heart, I believe, for this faithful wife, mother, minister and most of all Christian woman.

UPDATE ON JASON AND BETHEL CHOIR

Jason is traveling with the Renaissance Choir on their Northern tour. I talked with him last night and they are in Fulton, New York and headed for New York City this week. He says he is having a great time. They sang at a Church of God in Christ in Pennsylvania this past week. He said, "We brought the house down." He said they are singing at a homeless shelter in New York City sometime this week. We are proud of Jason.

MOTHER'S DAY

I called my mother this morning. She answered "Good morning." It is a beautiful morning with the sunshine already glowin brightly. I told Mom "I love her and am praying for her." We talked for several minutes." She is doing fairly well. She has diabetes. She is doing well in the Lord and continues to go to the prison to minister in song with my brother, who preaches in Brushy Mountain and also the Regional Prison both in Morgan County, TN.

My mother is one of my heros! She is a warrior for the Lord. I love you very much Mom!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

There is a difference in putting on the appearance of humility before men and being truly humble in the presence and purposes of God.

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WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

The study of the BDP document continues as we study the "Marriage Document." There was great participation and discussion as we continued in Section III. God is helping us to become equipped to minister to a hurting world with hurting people whose lives have been trampled by the enemy of the soul - the Devil and sin. We are thankful for a church with open hearts and arms to those who come in our midst who have been devastated by hurt, anger, pain, abuse and many other spiritual and emotional stabs they have taken from the enemy and, sometimes, some well-meaning but ill-advised people who are over-zealous for teaching the truth but do it without love and care. We desire to "speak the truth in love" so that we may grow up in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pastor

COG/COGOP Prayer Week

"The week of MAY 28-JUNE 5 is set aside as a joint week of PRAYER. The Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy will join their voices heavenward in a time of prayer." Read more of this letter from our General Overseer

A Joint Week of PRAYER

BIRTHDAY AND GRADUATION CELEBRATION

Sister Karen and I were excited this past Saturday (May 5th) to attend our youngest daughter's (Sarah Lenae Holman) graduation and her little girl's (Aviana Shalee) 3 year birthday celebration (she was three on May 2). Sarah graduated from Motlow State Comm. College with an Associate of Science with honors. She told her mother and I that she is going to "take a break" from school for a while. She eventually wants to get a BS in early childhood education (I think) and maybe start a daycare sometime in the future or teach school. She says she is staying home for a while and may work part-time somewhere. We wish and pray the best for Sarah.

Little Aviana was all smiles and laughter as approximately 40 adults and children attended her birthday party at the "Fred Deadman" park in Manchester, TN. We were glad to see our oldest Daughter Danita Queener and our second daughter Heather Hall with her two children Courtney and Caleb. We were glad to see many others including Stacy, Darlene and Danielle Long, Darlene's mom and dad, Tina and Wayne Holman (the other grandparents of Aviana - Chris's parents), several people from Chris and Sarah's church (whose names I cannot remember), Margo Cox her husband and two little girls, and several more of Sarah's friends from high school and college (whose names I do not know). It was a great time and a beautiful day. Mamaw and Papaw always love to be with Courtney, Caleb, Aviana and KeYante' - they are GRAND!

My brother and mother wanted to come but already had a full day with ministry and going to the prison to minister. Tony called the next day and wished everyone well and congratulated Sarah.

We love you family and pray for you.

Thank God for family and friends.

PRAYER REQUEST AND RECENT VISIT

Sister Mary Moore (Sister Moore is a licensed Evangelist in the church and is 80 years young), mother of Bishop Windell Moore, Chris Moore and Tommy Moore, is in critical care at St. Thomas hospital. The doctors say that she will be treated and will recover eventually but she is going through a very difficult time. The family requests prayer.

Myrna, Windell's wife is my double cousin. The Moore and Hill family have been a great blessing to me in praying for me to come back to the Lord at age 18 when I had backslidden in my early teen years and was rebellious and bitter. I love and appreciate these families very much. I visited and prayed with Sister Mary and Windell. May God bless and strengthen this family during this difficult time - is my prayer.

Also, pray for Sister Mae Hill, Myrna's mother, she is 90 years old and is bed-fast in the nursing home in Dickson, TN. She pastored several years and was a great blessing to me as a young boy.

GREAT SUNDAY SERVICES

Thank God for another great day of praise, worship, fellowship and the Word. God is continuing to bless the best church in the world. We thank Him for all that He is and all that He is doing among, through and with us. New people are continuing to come and God is moving. We are seeking to continue worshipping Him "in Spirit and in truth." Both morning and evening services were blessed with the presence of the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless the families in this church is my prayer.


Karen and I visited with the Alton and Donna Crossno family after church yesterday. We were given a friendly, and hearty welcome. They were celebrating the birthday of their youngest grandson son - Ethan. He is so very precious. The doctors did not give much hope for this little boy when he was born. He has undergone open-heart surgery and is now under physical therapy. God is continuing to bless this young child. He is so active and very alert and friendly. God has a special plan for this special child. It was good to see the parents and both grandparents. We love this family and pray God's blessing upon them.

MAY 29 YOUTH MEMORIAL DAY BLAST

SPONSORED BY THE YOUTH OF HUNTINGDON. LOCATED ON THE NEW CHURCH PROPERTY.

SISTER GIGI CUMMINGS, WEST TN YOUTH DIRECTOR, WILL BE WORKING WITH US IN THIS EFFORT.

THE PAVILLION IS UNDER WAY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE TIME FOR THE YOUTH BLAST.

WATER IS ALREADY ON THE PROPERTY AND ELECTRICITY HAS BEEN ORDERED . THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER HAS COME AND LAID OUT THE PLANS FOR THE ELEC. POLES AND WIRING.

THERE WILL BE SINGING, A COOKOUT, FELLOWSHIP AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

SEE YOUTH DIRECTOR, PAUL RIVERA, FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MAY GOD BLESS OUR YOUTH AND HELP US TO REACH MANY MORE! PASTOR. . .

CONGRATULATIONS TO GRADUATES

GRADUATIONS IN MAY 2006:

SARAH LENAE HOLMAN (OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER) GRADUATES FROM MOTLOW STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE ON MAY 5th, WITH AN ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE WITH HONORS.

JONATHAN DAVIDSON GRADUATES FROM HUNTINGDON HIGH SCHOOL ON MAY 21st, 7:30 PM.

MICHAEL GRACE GRADUATES FROM CLARKSBURG HIGH SCHOOL ON MAY 19th, 8 PM.

WEDNESDAY EVENING

Thank God for another great time of study in His Word as we studied the BDP document on "Marriage." We are getting more involved in ministry to any and all people. God is moving us forward to touch the lives of those who are hurting and need Jesus Christ in their lives. God help us as we become equipped to minister to the many that need a deeper level of ministry.

SUNDAY SERVICES & ACTIVITIES

We thank God for another great day of Sunday worship. The Lord was present in our services and people were giving Him praise and worship. The Sunday School was a great blessing. The lesson "The Gentleness of Christ" reminded us that we have a strong, yet, gentle Great Shepherd. We were challenged the with the message, "Judge Not, That Ye be Not Judged" by the Pastor. The Holy Ghost is the convictor of sin and He can do His job well. We are the servants of the Lord bearing His message of truth and love - He is the judge. "Judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's (or sister's) way."

We enjoyed being with the new visitors on Sunday evening - Lori Rivera's friend Daniel and Brother and Sister Kemp from McKenzie. Brother Kemp sang the song, "The Anchor Holds." This was he and Sister Kemp's first visit with us and we hope it will not be the last. We had a time of fellowship in the basement after the message. The peach and cherry cobbler was fantastic (just some of the left-over benefits from Ladies Day, HA!).

After the morning service, Deacon J. E. Moore invited Karen and I to come and be with his family as they celebrated his 67th birthday. We enjoyed the fellowship, the food (grilled hamburgers, hot dogs (with all the trimmings), homemade apple pie and pecan pie, ice cream, tea and cokes) and wished Brother Moore happy birthday. Thank God for Deacon J. E. Moore. He is faithful and gives so much of himself to the work of the church. One of Brother Moore's classic comments is, "well Momma (Sister Moore) we need to give the Lord as much as we can then we will have more to give Him." Brother Moore keeps us laughing. He says, "thank God for ever "Moore." Each of his children were at the birthday celebration (James, Cathy, Sharon and Missy). Several grandchildren were there and one great-grandchild. Two of his granddaughters are expecting little ones this fall. Thank God for this family.