UPDATE

Father's day evening was very special. Each of my daughters called me and wished me happy Father's day. Of course, Jason, was with us that morning and he did wish me a happy Father's Day as I dropped him off at Bethel to go with the Choir to Birmingham, AL.

Sunday evening Sister Karen and I rested and had some down time after traveling for much of last week. We encourged each family to be with their Fathers and the rest of the family on Sunday evening.

Monday morning Karen and I left fairly early and traveled to Birmingham where the Cumberland Presbyterian, Presbyterian USA and Cumberland Presbyterian USA were having their yearly joint General Assembly. Of course, the main reason we went was to support Jason who sings in the Bethel College Renaissance Choir - only about 55% of the choir could be there. It was a very unique worship service for Karen and I since we had never been to one of their General Assemblies. The Renaissance Choir sang and the audience was very responsive. The choir almost reminded me of Pentecostals as they clapped their hands, swayed and pat their feet to the music. The choir is multi-racial and multi-national. It is a joy to see these young people singing praises to the King of Kings.

We truly enjoyed being with Jason and the choir. Everyone who hears this choir gives them accolades. Their director, Peter Jeffreys, really puts everything he has into the worship and expects that from each one in the group. He is a very accomplished musician having worked with several professional and semi-professional groups. He made this statement, "We may not please everyone here but we certainly do our best to please God with our worship and if that is why we each one came together tonight, I feel God is smiling on us." Pretty good way of saying it, don't you think?

We went out to eat after the service and enjoyed meeting some new people. It was a good trip for Karen and I.

We got back home later this evening.

PRAYER REQUEST

Josh and Carla Lawton's son, Devin, was in a swimming accident last Thursday. He is in the LaBohner children's hospital in Memphis. He is doing much better but the family desires continued prayer for his complete recovery. Sister Virginia Davis, his grandmother, called last night and said that the doctor's are amazed that he was not in a coma or paralyzed, considering the extent of the injury to his head. Sister Davis said, "I believe it was just a miracle from the Lord that he is not in a coma or is not paralyzed."

We thank God for His protection and healing!

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2006

The service today was great! Brother Palmer (89 year old retired pastor) preached a great, encouraging message. The fathers were recognized and given a reminder of father's day. It was a great day.

GREAT DAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Today was a great day with family and friends. Karen, Jason and I left early this morning for Westmoreland, TN and the church at Lakeside. There is their beautiful property where we had a surprise birthday party for our second daughter, Heather, who is to be 32 on June 20. It was a surprise to her. I was so happy to see all my children and their spouses, Shane Queener, Sammy Hall and Chris Holman. Tony, my brother, his wife, Pascha, and twin daughters, Carrie and Anna, were there along with my mother, Beatrice Cathey. Also, Brother and Sister Hall, Heather's in-laws and their children and grandchildren were there. The pictures below say more than I can every say. We love our family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER! She is the blonde next to Jason in the picture below. Danita, the oldest, is next to her and Sarah, the youngest in on the other side of Jason. Thank God for all our children.

MORE PICTURES FROM HEATHER'S BD SURPRISE

Karen says, yum, yum good BD cake.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

The EGO barriers to having a servant heart only can be overcome when we come to the end of ourselves and invite God in to transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THIS PAST WEEK, TODAY & SUNDAY'S GUEST MINISTER

We have enjoyed our stay in Branson. We have taken a ride on the Duck, an amphibious (land and water) vehicle used in the military. We saw much of the area in Branson. We saw a lot of the army vehicles used in the military on this trip and also had the experience of riding in a vehicle similar to what the soldiers rode in when they landed at Normandy during WWII. It was very enjoyable. We went to some country/gospel shows and enjoyed eating at some good places. We visited the new Branson Landing area where they have a mile walk by the river and where there will be a mile of shops and other tourist attractions. We also enjoyed the time to relax and be in the Ozark Mountains and see the big lake here in the Ozark Valley. It has been a very enjoyable experience. I hope to post some pictures later.

Karen and I will be heading back to Huntingdon today. We have enjoyed our five days away. We will be on the road for 7-8 hours. We ask God for protection.

This Sunday, Bishop J. C. Palmer will be bringing the message. Brother Palmer pastored in the COGOP (in TN, KY and GA) for about 47 years. He still wants to minister even though he is 88 years young. He was happy that I called and said, "Sure, I'll be glad to come." He and Sister Palmer are special to us.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2006

Having a great time in Branson. More later.

God bless.

MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2006

Karen and I are enjoying a few days vacation in St. Louis and on to Branson, Mo. We had a great time being like kids at the St. Louis Zoo. We did not know that it was free to get in. We stayed at the old Union Station Hyatt Regency in old downtown St. Louis where some 200,000 military men came through to go overseas in WWII. The old town Mall was awesome as well as the outdoor and indoor water falls and sprays.

We are praying for the continued will and blessings of God for the church community here in Huntingdon. I am so thankful for a church that loves us and cares for us. So many have said, "have a great time on your vacation." God bless you. We love you.

More later . . .

SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2006

This morning was a great time of worship and praise. There were several out on vacation or traveling but we enjoyed the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit encouraged us to continue seeking the Lord - ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it will be opened unto you. We were encouraged to persistent in our communion with God.

The singing tonight was blessed with the mightly presence of the Holy Ghost. "Wings of Faith" (see pictures above) encouraged and blessed us with their singing. There was an altar service near the end of the concert. We circled around the youth in the service and prayed for them and encouraged them. The songs uplifted our Lord and Savior and we worshipped with them as they praised our Savior. Thank God for gospel singers who spread the gospel with their singing and testimonies.

We were happy to see several visitors from the Solid Rock church and from the Assembly of God in McKenzie.

TODAY & TONIGHT & PRAYER REQUEST

I have been studying much of today. It has been a fairly quiet day with Karen and my little granddaughter, Aviana. Karen and I have been making some plans for our vacation trip next week. We are going to St. Louis and then on to Branson. This will be a first for us.

I called Brother J. C. Palmer today and asked him to preach here at Huntindon next week. He said he would be glad to come. He is a retired minister of 47 or 49 years pastoring in the COGOP. He seemed delighted to be asked to come and minister. I hope someone will ask me if I live to the age of 88 as he is and the Lord tarries.

Brother Palmer's son Tony is not doing well at this time with severe diabetes. He is requesting prayer for Tony.

Also, "Wings of Faith" will be with us tomorrow night in our monthly singing go here for more information.

Continuing in prayerful study for Sunday.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2006

After a time of devotion at the pavilion - which was another great time of study, meditation and prayer - I took a deposit to the bank for Sister Coleman and also took Karen's car to have the oil changed. I did some other business while in town.

I visited several in the hospital after lunch today and prayed with some of them.

Dr. Chuck Burks and I met and discussed some things for a while this afternoon. Karen and Ragene (Chuck's wife) met us later and we had dinner (or supper, depending on where you're from) together. It was an enjoyable time. We are continuing to pray for Brother Chuck and the Jackson church.

It has been another great day in the Lord. "This is the day that the Lord has made, I have rejoiced and been glad in it." To Him be all glory, honor and praise.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

Intimate relationships with God and people depend on your being a good steward of the leadership that God and others have entrusted to you.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2006

I continue to do my daily devotions at the pavilion. It is such a quiet blessed time to be there. Brother J. E. Moore called my cell phone around 7:30 and he came and we visited there at the pavilion for a while then we went and had breakfast together. We then went and took a check to the building supply place and paid for the materials to build the pavilion.

I came home around 10:30 and did some more office work until lunch and then back to the office to for more work until supper.

We left at 5:45 pm to go visit with Sister Cathy Coleman and her family. She is now the clerk/treasurer for the church. Sister Rita Moore did it for several years but resigned a couple months ago. She did a great job and I'm sure Sister Cathy Coleman will do a fine job as well.

We visited with her and her grandchildren and had a great time (see picture below). The cake she made was very delicious. After visiting for about an hour, Karen and I worked with Sister Cathy for a while on the church books and then left for home and got back home around 10 pm. We finished watching the Dallas Mavericks win the first game of the NBA championship series. Headed for the sack at 11 pm.

It was another great day serving and worshipping the Lord.


Picture: Top center, B. J., Sister Coleman's nephew, Left, Brooks, Sister Coleman's grandson, Right, Mariah, Sister Coleman's grandaughter, Bottom Center, Sister Coleman is holding her newest grandson, Dalton.

TODAY & TONIGHT

Today was another great day in the Lord. After going to the pavilion to do my daily devotion, I continued with some office work and my monthly report. It seems that these times of the month take so much of the day but the reports are part of being accountable and part of worshipping God with good stewardship. I desire to be a faithful steward of God's time, treasure and talent.

I visited the hospital after doing my devotions, studying and doing my report and mailing it. There are so many there in the hospital that are in need of God's touch. I cannot give names here because of Federal regulations but God knows each one. I prayed with several and listened to some who just needed an understanding person to be there.

I went to Bethel College Library today to check out some books on leadership. I am continuing in the Doctorate but it seems that I get so little completed and after a year, I am way off my scheduled time table. God help me to get back on track with this study.

Tonight was our prayer and bible study. We met at the pavilion. It was so refreshing and relaxing to meet outside where the birds and other parts of nature are open to the eye and to the ear. As we were about to start singing a deer popped into view. The deer stopped and stared for a long time. We were awed at God's creation as the deer moved swiftly through on the other end of the property. The singing, prayers and bible study were very much blessed by the presence of the Lord. We are now doing books of the bible studies since we have completed the Marriage Document from the BDP committee. Tonight we began our first book study on the book of Galatians.

God is awesome! Thank God for His Son - Jesus Christ and for the Holy Spirit who leads us and teaches us more of Jesus. To God be the glory!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

Transparent relationships are based on good stewardship. Good stewardship can be defined as the wise care and active use of another’s property as set forth by the owner.

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WINGS OF FAITH SOUTHERN GOSPEL SINGING GROUP

"Wings of Faith" Southern Gospel singing group will be with us this coming Sunday night, June 11th, for our monthly singing night. We look forward to this time of worship in gospel singing. Gordon Meador heads up the group with his great style of piano playing. The singing will begin at 6 pm.

WINGS OF FAITH was organized as a Ministry in November, 2004 and started out with a good service in Nashville, TN, on New Year's Eve, followed by a Sunday night in Jasper, Alabama, where one soul was saved during a Great Service. We have had a Wonderful First Year and looking forward to 2006.

GORDON MEADOR, who is the Manager of the group, plays piano and does most of the Emcee work. He has been involved in Gospel Music for many years, playing piano for The Joymakers, Jubilations, Rangers and many others down thru the years. He has also produced recordings for various artist, including Gerald Crabb, as well as promoted many Southern Gospel Concerts.

Read more about them here

TODAY

My day began early as I went to the pavilion to meditate and study. It was a crisp, cool morning with the sun and the Son shining down. It is such a grand feeling to be with God outside where the birds are singing and the trees are waving their leaves in glory to the Lord. A small deer came across the property just a few feet from the pavilion. It was oblivious to me as it stopped every few feet and ate some of the new Spring growth. I watched in awe as one of God's creations moved so easily through the field in front of me. I just wish I had taken my camera. Maybe next time.

After meditating and studying for some time. I came home and did some office work and began working on my monthly minister's report. I had to catch up on some posting in my monthly minister's spreadsheet and tomorrow I hope to transfer those figures to my online report to the state office.

Later this evening, Karen, Jason and I took little Aviana to the Tennessee River Lake near Camden, TN. We enjoyed a time of riding together and going to the lake for a while. Aviana sang several songs as we traveled. She really can remember and sing well for a 3 year old. She sang, "Giving My Heart To Jesus", "Let All God's Children Praise The Lord" and several others. We laughed, sang, laughed and sang some more. It is a joy to be with family.

Karen called Sarah and they are enjoying their vacation on Myrtle Beach, SC. Karen and I are looking forward to our vacation next week. . .It will be the first planned vacation in about three years.

It is getting close to time for the "sack" for the night. . . .10:55 pm

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - "LEAD LIKE JESUS"

The price for gaining confidence and humility is intimacy with God. Every day you need to surrender your pride and fears to His guidance and sufficiency through pre-emptive prayer, solitude and Bible study.

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TODAY

Thank God for another day to worship Him and serve Him.

I am serving as Volunteer Chaplain at the local hospital this week. I visited several there this morning and prayed with those who requested prayer. After visiting there Karen and I left for Dickson later in the morning to meet Sarah and Chris to get Aviana our granddaughter who is staying with us for a week while they are gone on vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. We had lunch with them at Cracker Barrel in Dickson.

We left and came back through Camden and stopped by the hospital there and had prayer with brother Lonnie Bush. He continues to need prayer.

We arrived back home and I did some studying for Wednesday evenings bible study.

Thank God for another great day in the Lord.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for Sister Peggy Heath. She has not felt well for some time. Let us pray that God will heal her and give her strength to get back in church where she desires to be.

DR. CHUCK BURKS TO MINISTER AT JACKSON, TN CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

I went to the new pavilion early Saturday morning to meditate and study for Sunday. It was very quiet, peacful and cool there this morning. I studied for about 90 minutes and then received a cell phone call from State Overseer E. C. McKinley. He asked me to assist him in speaking with Chuck Burks about going to our Jackson church for a while, since they are needing a pastor at this time.

Then I went and picked up Brother Burks and we went back to the pavilion. I asked Brother Chuck if he would be interested in doing some ministry in one of our churches and passed on the message from Brother McKinley. Brother Burks agreed to take it for a period of time and he and I talked for about an hour and I answered some of his questions and offered some counsel.

We left the pavilion for lunch and then I picked him back up after lunch and we went to Jackson to see the building and property. We fellowshipped and talked much of the evening.

Bishop McKinley advised me that he would contact the church about Dr. Burks coming and emailed a letter for Dr. Burks to take to the church.

We welcome Dr. Burks and wife, Ragene, to this time of Pastoral Ministry in the Church of God of Prophecy and pray that their ministry will be blessed and fruitful for the Lord. We are praying that God's will be done in their ministry and in the Jackson church.

I pray that God will use them mightily for the work of the Lord and the building up of the kingdom of God. I pray that souls will be brought into the kingdom of God and that the kingdom of God will be brought into souls there in the city of Jackson and Madison County, Tennessee.

To God be the glory!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sister Marie Moore requests prayer for her legs. She is having problems with pain and being able to stand very long.

Continue to pray for the recovery of Ethan Pyburn, grandson of Alton and Donna Crossno. He is back home and doing well so far from tonsil and adnoid ectomies.

Pray for those who are homebound - Sister Jennie Sanders, Sister Lennie Mae Crossno, Sister Bonnie (Crossno) Curtis, Sister Lilly Grooms and Brother Lonnie Bush.

Pray especially for brother Lonnie Bush who fell and busted his knee cap. He has been in Camden hospital for several days.

Pray for our Harvest Partner nations of Uganda and Sudan and Brother James the National Overseer.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2006

I was with Karen most of the day on our 24th wedding anniversary. As noted in the previous post, I am very thankful that God put Karen and I together and has kept us these 24 years. We have so much to be thankful for. We have four wonderful children and four wonderful grandchildren. God has been so good to us and we just give Him all the praise and all the glory - He is so worthy.

Karen, Jason and I went to Vickies Restaurant and ate seafood last night. We then came home and had a restful evening together.

TO A VERY SPECIAL LADY - MY COMPANION, MY WIFE, MY LOVE OF 24 YEARS

Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful, O yes!

Thank God for a wonderful wife who has loved me and my family and served with me in ministry for twenty four great years. We were both scheduled to minister in the evening services of different churches the day of our wedding. We left in a hurry after our wedding to go minister to two different churches. When I got to the White Bluff church they were singing, "The wedding of the bride united with the groom" part of "We Shall See the King" song. When Karen got to Erin where she was to minister they were singing, "O I Want To See Him." We have been in ministry ever since in three different states. Today is our Anniversary. KAREN, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

FAMILY VISIT - Saturday - Thursday

My daughter Sarah, granddaughter Aviana and Sarah's friend Amanda visited with us from Saturday through Thursday morning. Sarah and Amanda did a mime in our Sunday morning service. It was great.



Mamaw and Papaw love you Aviana. We know why they are called grandchildren now!

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2006

Sister Karen and I got up at 4 am to go be with the family of Ethan Pyburn, grandson of Donna Crossno. We arrived at 7:15 and as Ethan was about to be taken for surgery. He had surgery at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. The surgery went well. He was in and out in less than an hour to remove tonsils and adnoids. The report was that he took something to drink later in the morning, which is a good sign. We prayed with the family and stayed with them until about 10:30 am and then left to take care of some business in Nashville.

Karen and I did some shopping and also looked at some other things in Nashville. We left for home about 2:30 pm. We stopped in Dickson and ate at Shoneys for our pre-anniversary meal. Karen surprised me as the Shoney's gang came out singing Happy Anniversary. I was so surprised that I threw my napkin at her. She was laughing hilariously at me. She told the Shoney's gang, "I never get to get one on him but this time I did." We enjoyed the hot fudge cake they brought out.

We got back home at about 6:30 pm. I called some folks and then went by the pavilion to do some last minute clean up and inspecting. I sat down to watch the NBA playoffs at 8 pm. I fell asleep in our love-seat recliner at 9:30 as we watched Dallas and Phoenix in the NBA playoffs. Karen woke me up at 10:30. Dallas with big "Dirk" really womped Phoenix last night. He scored 50 big ones.

11 pm - good night.

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.

Read more Lead Like Jesus

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.

LADIES DAY AT CAMP HICKORY HILLS

What a glorious time the ladies enjoyed at the annual Ladies Day. I enjoyed helping kitchen head cook Pastor Luther Massengale and the kitchen staff. There was no slack in our menu as we had bar-b-cue (cooked overnight outside over hickory coals by Pastor Massengale) cole slaw, potato salad, texas toast or cornbread, baked beans, tea, cola or coffee and peach or cherry cobbler the first evening. Then the breakfast the next morning was bacon or sausage, eggs, gravy, french toast sticks, biscuits, orange juce or coffee. We had a blast working together, talking together, listening to gospel music as it blased above the noisy kitchen work.

The five ladies who attended from Huntingdon also told of great times (you can read more about this on the blog for the COGOP in TN - Dr. McKinley) in the services, joy groups and devotional times.

Thank God for women who love the Lord Jesus and work tirelessly for the Him.

FAMILY & FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP

Tonight at 7 pm is the monthly Family and Friends Fellowship. Come, bring your food and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends in the Fellowship Hall (basement) of the church.

AZUSA STREET - DAY TWO

From State Overseer E. C. McKinley of the Churches of God of Prophecy in Tennessee.

I had an early start to the day to take in the activities of the Azusa Street meeting. Upon arrival at the convention center, I noticed the atmosphere charged with the energy of thousands of believers gathering to remember the great revival that happened here one hundred years ago. I have no idea how large the crowd was, other than to say that there were over 22,000 registered.

After looking around in the convention center for a while I started to the front of the facility. I heard a familiar sound….one that I have known since I was a small child. It was the Bahama Brass Band playing at the front of the convention center. One of our own Tennessee ministers, a member at the Chickamauga Loop Church, Dr. Joseph Hall was playing in the drum section. The crowd was going wild over them! People danced, clapped and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the music.

While there, I saw our General Overseer, Bishop Fred S. Fisher, Sr., as well as, Randy and Bess Howard, Cathy Payne and one of our local pastoral teams Zach and Beverly Brooks. There were several other ministers and members from different parts of the world there as well.
There were several seminars and clinics during the afternoon, but in the evening service the events were in other locations. Among the speakers were Benny Hinn, Dr. Kenneth Copeland, Paula White and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Getting a seat was difficult, but well worth the trip.

My prayer for you today is the Lord’s richest blessings!

AZUSA STREET CENTENNIEL

For the next few days, I will be copying and posting our State Overseer's notes from the Azuza Street Centenniel in Los Angeles. This is a great time of meeting for Pentecostal Holiness groups as well as Evangelicals, Charismatics and others. You can go to the BLOG here Voice of Hope


Yesterday was certainly a long day. I flew out of Nashville in the late evening (so I could get some work done before leaving town) and had a layover in Minneapolis. When we lived in Montana, we used Northwest Airlines to go just about everywhere outside of that region, so I have been in that airport many times, and knew my way around it pretty well. I arrived in Los Angeles at 1:00 a.m. and then had to wait about an hour and fifteen minutes for my luggage to arrive at the baggage claim. Finally, the drive to the hotel was about another 30 minutes…who would have believed how heavy traffic is at that time of the night? Nashville traffic doesn’t seem so bad now. At any rate, I arrived at the hotel at almost 3:00 a.m.

I have a full day scheduled, had to get up and get going early to register for the Azusa Street meetings, and, oh yes, the traffic is still heavy.

I wish that all of you could be here to experience the 100th anniversary celebration of the great Azusa Street revival. If you remember your history, the Church of God was mostly a “holiness” movement until G.B. Cashwell came to preach at the Cleveland church and A.J. Tomlinson was baptized in the Holy Ghost. Although we had experienced a movement of the Holy Ghost at the Shearer Schoolhouse in North Carolina in 1886, the momentum of what has made us a holiness/pentecostal church started right here in this city.

As I looked around last night, I could see people of seeemingly every tribe, nation and tongue all around me. I pray that another Pentecost can break forth and help us to finish the work…remember Acts 1:8, “ye shall receive power….to be witnesses…” That promise/obligation is still in effect.

Please pray that I have a safe and healthy meeting here and that God will grant traveling mercies as I return later this week. May God bless and keep each of you

LADIES DAY AT CAMP HICKORY HILLS

Sister Karen will be headed for Ladies Day this coming Friday with five of the ladies from the church. Karen will be a cabin host and I have helped her get some things together for her time of devotion. I believe God is going to meet with these ladies and do some great things among them. They are excited about getting there and getting involved in the fellowship and enjoying the food but most of all to worship and be enriched by the presence of the Lord. The men came back from Men's day and have "boosted and talked up" the Men's day so much that the ladies are "chomping at the bits" to get there.

Brother Paul Rivera, Sister Lori Rivera, Brother Jimmy Davis and myself are going to help feed this "crew" of women. Brother Davis is taking his mobile trailer for he, Brother Paul and myself. I say glory to God for these ladies and for how they rally to the work of the kingdom and the church. May God bless them is my prayer. . . .

I understand there may be as many as 500 in attendance and motel rooms are having to be rented for some of the attendees. Okay men, lets have "hats off" to the Sisters. . . .

REVOLUTIONARY

From THE HARVEST NEWS by Pastor Don Brock

American Christians are dropping out of churches at an alarming rate. Many just don’t have time in their hectic schedules for a Sunday service when the laundry is piled high and the e-mail inbox is full. Others have been wounded or ripped off by church leaders who imposed their personal agendas on entire congregations. Still others just got bored with fluffy sermons or the seemingly endless cycle of fruitless religious activity.

It is called religious burnout. And there is no question that it has become a widespread plague in our post-modern society.

In the midst of this epidemic, a growing group of Christian trend-watchers have decided that the dropout crisis is actually a move of God. They claim that the Holy Spirit is reordering the church and bringing us back to more of a New Testament model, recalling a simpler era when Christians met “house to house” (see Acts 2:46) and did not waste time or money on religious buildings or nonessential church programs.

So now we have a touchy debate brewing. The proponents of house churches have positioned themselves against the “traditionalists,” a category that includes pastors of megachurches, leaders of media ministries, anyone who is a member of a denomination and anyone who attends a congregation that is too big to fit into a coffee shop or a living room.

How far will the revolution go?

Of course Christians do not have to meet in religious buildings on Sunday mornings to “have church.” Of course most ministry should happen outside the church walls. I’ve been saying that for years.

I am 100 percent in favor of innovation, and I believe we must constantly employ creative strategies to reach our generation for Christ. But I do not agree that innovation requires us to discard the need for godly, New Testament authority.

Many of the people who want to see traditional churches closed down and padlocked are the ones who tend to hop from one church to another, sowing discord and speaking against appointed servant-leaders. When these mavericks’ pride or false doctrines are challenged, they move to another church. Are these the kind of people we want to lead a new grassroots movement?

No thanks. Regardless of where my church meets, I intend to hold on to the New Testament principles of healthy, accountable leadership.

Why not have house churches and ministry in the community, functioning under the accountability of the "church," while coming together to celebrate together on Sunday morning?

GREAT SUNDAY SERVICES

God met with us in a great way on Sunday morning and evening. The worship and praises just kept going up and up and up and God's power kept flowing down, down, down and around. The morning message "Death To Sin" from Romans 6, challenged us to "reckon (be sure) of Christ's work in us and through us and to declare that He is victorious over sin and we His children are victorious through Him."

Sunday evening the power of the Holy Spirit moved as we continued to worship and praise the Lord. The Holy Ghost spoke and said, "you are my children, I am moving as the wind moves, I will bless you as you seek Me." Thank God for people who come to worship the King of Kings. People were weeping, rejoicing, dancing giving God praise and worship. Prayers went up for lost and discouraged children and families. ALL PRAISE TO THE LAMP THAT WAS SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD!

The Business Session went well as we adopted a plan to get electricity to the new property and to begin on the new pavillion. We are planning to have this completed for the May 29th Labor Day Youth Blast. . . .Thank God for those who are giving and working. Someone gave a thousand dollars just a week or so ago. Our property is now paid down to less than 10 thousand as we move forward. . . .The property is worth well over 60,000.00 and is 7.6 acres just 1/4th mile off the by-pass and 1/4th mile from Veterans Park on Northwood. We anticipate the day when we have a groundbreaking for a new church building.

UPDATE ON SURGERIES

Lois Thomas came through her surgery fine and should be back at home by now.

Alton Crossno's hip replacement went well and he has already arrived back home in Huntingdon. He and Donna left for home before noon today.

Thank God for being with these during their surgeries. We continue to pray for their complete recovery.

QUOTES FROM THE SERVING LEADER

Quotes from The Serving Leader by Ken Jennings and John Stal-Wert

"You qualify to be first by putting other people first."

"You're in charge principally to charge up others."

"To serve the many you must serve the few."

"The best reach-down is a challenging reach-up."

"To protect your value you must give it all away."

"To address your weaknesses focus on your strengths."

"Your biggest obstacle is the one that hinders someone else."

"Run to great purpose."

"You can't become the best unless others do, too."

INTERESTING SITES FOR LEADERSHIP

Mentor Link (Dr. Stacy T. Rhinehart) http://mentorlink.gospelcom.net/

Venture Works http://www.ventureworks.com/

Center For Faith Walk Leadership Faith Walk Leadership

HalfTime www.halftime.org

The Giftedness Center http://www.thegiftednesscenter.com/

Greenleaf Center For Servant Leadership www.greenleaf.org

Christian Community Development and Service www.ccda.org

Leadership Network www.leadnet.org

The Serving Leader www.theservingleader.com

QUARTERLY BUSINESS CONFERENCE

There will be a Quarterly Business Conference this coming Sunday at 5 pm. The clerk and treasurer is to have reports ready and all leaders. Thank You. Pastor

WATER BAPTISM SERVICE SCHEDULED

To any and all who desire to be baptized, a Baptismal Service is scheduled for the last Sunday in April near the end of the worship service. Please see the Pastor if you have been saved and have not been baptized in water. We want to present the opportunity for any and all to come into the water to show publicly that any who know Christ Jesus as Savior will be baptized.

WEDNESDAY EVENING

This week the study on Marriage will continue as prepared by the Bible Doctrine and Polity Committee. This document is scheduled to be presented in August of this year at the General Assembly in Nashville .

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sister Karen visited with the home bound widows this past Friday. Continue to remember these in prayer. . .Sister Jennie Sanders, Sister Lillie Grooms, Sister Lennie May Crossno and Sister Bonnie (Crossno) Curtis. Also remember Sister Mildred Stacy. She has not felt well for the past 6 months or more.

UPDATE ALTON CROSSNO

Alton Crossno's surgery went well. The doctor stated that the hip was worse than he expected but that the replacement should work well after several months physical rehabilitation. The family requests your continued prayers.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for my mother and her family. Her brother Lowell passed on this past Friday. He is mom's third sibling to leave this earth since April 30th of last year. Now there are four left out of the eleven. Charles the oldest still lives and is 87. Mom is next at 76. Delano is next at 69 and Denver is the youngest at 67. Charles and Denver were born on the same day - 2o years apart. Mom is the only daughter left out of the living children.

Alton Crossno is scheduled for hip replacement in Nashville, TN tomorrow.

Lois Thomas is scheduled for surgery in Jackson, TN this Wednesday.

Glorious Easter Sunday

We are thanking and praising God for a great time in our Easter Service. It was good to see some who have not been to church in some time as well as the regulars. The presence of the Lord was very evident. God blessed greatly as we praised the creator and lifted the name of our Savior. The message, Jesus Christ, Ever-Living, Ever-Doing, Ever-Sufficient challenged each one to place complete trust in the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.

The children enjoyed an egg hunt after the service. There were over 60 present and about 15 children present.

Thank God for a glorious day with the Lord! Pictures, hopefully, will be posted later.

EASTER SUNDAY

We anticipate a great time this Sunday. We are expecting several visitors and friends to be with us at the Easter Service tomorrow. We are praying for a fresh anointing and a special time of worship to our Savior and Master - Jesus Christ. We pray that He will be glorified and that we will see those who do not know Him to come into a personal relationship with Him and for those who do know Him to find a closer relationship with Him. To HIM be all Glory, Honor and Praise.

NOTE: There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children immediately after the morning worship service on the grounds of the current property. There will be no service on Easter Sunday night. Take time to be with your family and do something special with them - being with them is special.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Alton Crossno is scheduled to enter Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, April 18 for hip replacement surgery. Please be in prayer for this request and for the family. I have scheduled to be there with the family.

Lois Thomas (Berry) is scheduled for surgery at the Regional Hospital in Jackson, TN on Wednesday, April 19. Please be in prayer for this request and for the family. I have scheduled to be there with the family.

ANOTHER GLORIOUS SUNDAY

God blessed greatly as we sang, gave, and glorified the Lord. The message by Dr. Chuck Burks was timely - "Get In the Boat - Go To the Other Side," dealing with church growth. We thank God for Jonah Davis being baptized with the Holy Ghost. To God Be The Glory!

GLORIOUS TIME AT TENNESSEE MEN'S DAY

Great time at Men's Day. God blessed greatly as five men from this area went to Men's Day. It was a shaky day with storms brewing and landing all over the state but a great time with many who came and enjoyed a great move of God as we worshipped and sang. Pictures to come later.

Power For A Purpose by J. I. Packer

Power for Service. . .

During the past century, Christians have been very concerned about power. Have they been wrong to be concerned about it? Not altogether. In the middle and late 1800s, there was great concern to find "the path of power." The path of power meant one's ability to perform set tasks and overcome temptations. Was it wrong to seek the power of God for greater self-control and a richer practice of righteousness? Of course not. At the same time concern focused on being able, through the power of God, to impact others for God through preaching and witness. Was it right to be anxious lest one's witness should be powerless? Of course it was right.
More recently, Christians touched by that movement known variously as Pentecostalism, charismatic renewal, and the third wave, are finding, if they can, the ability to channel supernatural demonstrations of God's power in healings of all sorts: healings of the body, inner healing of the heart, exorcisms where there appears to be something demonic in a person's life. Is it wrong that Christians are concerned about these things?

Read more . . .

UPDATED SCHEDULE OF SERVICES & EVENTS FOR APRIL 2006

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 7 PM: Prayer and Bible Study. We are studying the documents that will be presented to the General Assembly in August. Last week was "Deaconesses." This week will begin the study on "Marriage."

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 5 PM - SAT. APRIL 8, AFTERNOON: Men's Day at Camp Hickory Hills. We will be leaving at around 1:45 PM on Friday. Registering at around 4:30. This will be a great time for worship, teaching and preaching, fellowship, competition, and, of course, food. Four of the men here are set to go and hopefully more.

SUNDAY APRIL 9, 10 AM & 11 AM: Sunday School at 10 am. Worship at 11 am. Dr. Chuck Burks will be bringing the morning message. This will be the second part of a message which will include a key to church outreach and growth. Second Sunday missions offering.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAM PRACTICE: Sunday April 9th at 5 pm. See Dr. Chuck Burks
SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE: YOUTH, Brother Paul Rivera, Youth Director, in charge.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 7 pm. Prayer and Bible Study. Continuing in the study of documents that will be presented at the General Assembly. This will be a continuance of the "Marriage" document.

SUNDAY APRIL 16, 10 am & 11 am, EASTER SUNDAY: Sunday School at 10 am and worship at 11 am. Message by Pastor. Third Sunday expense offering.
NO SERVICE SUNDAY EVENING - ENJOY BEING WITH YOUR FAMILIES

WEDNESDAY APRIL 19THM 7 PM: BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER CONTINUING WITH GENERAL ASSEMBLY DOCUMENTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 23 10 am & 11 am: Sunday School and Worship.
SUNDAY EVENING, 5 pm: Quarterly Business Meeting

SUNDAY EVENING YOUTH, 6 pm: Brother Paul Rivera, Youth Director in charge.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 7 PM: Family and Friends Fellowship in fellowship hall. Bring your dish and drink and come enjoy the fellowship and food.

SUNDAY April 30th, 10 am & 11 am: Sunday School & Worship. Message by Pastor.
SUNDAY EVENING CARE GROUPS, LEADERS IN CHARGE.

MONTHYLY HOME AND OTHER PLACES: PRAYER MEETINGS TBA

LEADERS MEETINGS: TBA

NOTE: Dr. Chuck Burks will be starting the Spiritual Disciplines Studies two Wednesday evenings a month very soon.

URGENT POSTING FROM STATE OVERSEER

Strong Storms Hit West Tennessee
Good Morning,

I am writing, to ask for the prayers of the church. As you may have heard, severe storms cut across Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee last night and early this morning. At the end of a District meeting at Paris, Tennessee last night, we began to receive calls from extreme Western Tennessee of severe storms with tornadoes that had damaged the homes of some of our members. My family and I drove home through heavy rains, high winds and hail. We arrived safely home and watched the weather coverage on the television late into the night.

Early this morning, as I began to call our pastors to check on them I learned the following:

1. Some of our folks in the Dyersburg and Ridgely have lost their homes or suffered severe damage.
2. I have not been able to make contact with some of our pastors because of downed communications
3. One of the tornadoes stayed on the ground for almost 30 miles
4. At this point I do not know about any casualties, however, it is a distinct possibility.

Would you please pray for our folks in the Western Tennessee area? Will you also please pass this around. Again, let me emphasize, we DO NOT know of casualties, but with so many people unaccounted for, I am deeply concerned about them.

THANK GOD FOR AN AWESOME DAY

WEST TN STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR VISIT: This morning we were blessed by the boost from West TN State Youth Director, Gigi Cummings. She encouraged us and excited us about the work of the youth - Youth Camp, Teen Talent and an upcoming outreach sponsored by the Youth Department here at Huntingdon. We look forward to working with Sister Gigi and the outreach here.

COVENANT SUNDAY: Today the members of the church here renewed their covenant and, Praise God, there were four new ones who took the covenant for the first time. The new ones were, Dr. Chuck Burks and wife Ragene Burks, Delilah Mummel and Peggy Heath. Sister Delilah has attended here since she was a just a baby and is now 28 years old and just took the covenant for the first time. Sister Peggy has been attending for over 18 years and is in her eighties and took the covenant for the first time today. She testified that she felt "this has been my church for the past 18 plus years but I never expected to really make a public commitment but today I felt the need to do that." We thank God for these who have come into the local body here. Dr. Burks is in the process of becoming licensed in the COGOP and he is using his gifts in music, teaching and preaching in the local church here. He is seeking God for his future in ministry and believes God has called him to Pastor. We are praying that God will open the door for him. He has committed to minister here until God moves him otherwise. Brother Leon Reynolds testified that it was very special for him to renew the covenant today. We thank God for all He is and all He is doing here.

PENTECOSTAL POWER MEETING: We were blessed tonight to be at the Paris church and to be involved in a great time of worship and to hear State Overseer, Dr. E. C. McKinley preach. We thank God for the presence of the Lord that we felt so strongly and the message. There were ten who went from Huntingdon and we enjoyed the fellowship of the churches in our district. Bishop Clayton Mahan moderated and led the service in a great time of worship.