Arrangements for "Bunchie" Jones-Lawson

Thursday, April 19th
Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home
353 Johnny Cash Parkway (Gallatin Pike)
Hendersonville, TN 37075
5:00pm - 9:00pm

Viewing Friday, April 20th
Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home

10:00am - 11:00am Viewing
11:00am - 12:00pm Service

Saturday, April 21st
Hopewell Church of God of Prophecy
8100 Hopewell Road S.E.Bessemer, AL 35022

10:00am - 11:00am Viewing
11:00am - 12:00pm Service & Burial

Lillie Bernice "Bunchie" Jones-Lawson

Sister Lillie Bernice "Bunchie" Jones-Lawson died today. Below is a message by the pastor where she attends church. Sister Jones served with her huband L. C. Jones when he was State Overseer of Tennessee back in the 1950's and 60's.

Dear Friends,

It saddens my heart to have to pass on the news that Sis. Lillie Bernice "Bunchie" Jones Lawson has passed away. Her passing was sudden and unexpected and we extend our deepest sympathy to her children and the rest of her extended family. Funeral arrangements are pending and I will provide the schedule of services VIA another email as soon as they are available.

Please be in prayer for the family and her church community as we mourn the loss of this spiritual giant who will be greatly missed.

In Christ,


Shannon W. Bowdoin
Senior Pastor
Bellshire Church of God of Prophecy

Service Today and Prayer Requests

God blessed today as we worshipped and praised the Lord. We welcome new visitors Mrs. Holland and Mrs. Allen and also a new teen (Keith) in our teen class. Thank God for His presence and for each one that was present.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Brother J. E. Moore has been sick all of the past week with chest congestion and coughing.

Sister Donna Crossno was sick today with congestion and coughing.

Brother Stanley Reynolds has a friend (Bill Perry) in Vanderbilt hospital with terminal cancer.

Brother Don VanMeter goes to the Martin Hospital for tests this week.

Sister Susie Reynolds is now in a wheel chair until she can have surgery the last week of May.

Sister Mildred Stacey is scheduled for knee replacement on June 4th at Huntingdon hospital.

Sister Jennie Sanders needs continued prayer for fluid build-up in her legs and feet.

Sister Peggy Heath is sick with congestion and coughing.

Sister Virginia Davis has congestion and coughing.

Remember these in prayer and call them to encourge them.

Congratulations! Delilah and Denise.

Sister Delilah Mummel and Sister Denise Pyburn (also biological sisters) entered an amateur gospel singing preview sponsored by Gospel Radio Station 93.1 Good News in Jackson, TN. The preview was held and judged in Humboldt, TN. They were placed at the top out of the three that were given the go for the next step (semi-finals) to be held in September near Lexington, TN. The judges told them that they had no problem choosing them as the first one. Both of these ladies were raised in the Huntingdon area and grew up attending the Church of God of Prophecy here. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE SISTERS.

Sister Delilah is presently very active in the local church ministry as a member of the Praise and Worship Team, Assistant Youth Leader and Bulletin Coordinator. She loves the Lord and serves faithfully. She has blessed our services many times with her solos. She lives in Huntingdon with her husband, Jeremy and his son Austin. She has dedicated her life to use her gift for the glory of God. Denise is married and lives in Lexington, TN. She attends church there with her husband and two sons and another one on the way. She teaches elementary school there as well. WE ARE PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU!

The Sisters will be interviewed on 93.1 Good News Radio Station in Jackson, TN from 8-10 pm Sunday evening April 15, 2007.

GREAT MEN'S DAY

Tennessee Men's Ministries State Director, Chuck Bailey, put together a great Men's Day at the Dickson Campground. The theme was "Supermen for God." If I had some of those super hero comics books from my boyhood days, I could cash in on some green since the older ones are sought after by collectors. It was very reminiscent to see the Super Hero decor and to enjoy the camaraderie of competition in the shooting match and throwing games. I was "lucky" enough to come in second in one round of competition and won a Spider man shirt and the book, No More Christian Nice Guy by Paul Coughlin. The messages by Shannon Bowdoin, Leon Graves, Don Smith and Director Chuck Bailey were great and centered around our great Superman, Jesus Christ and being a Superman Christian. We were encouraged to be obedient, powerful praisers (and not let the ladies do all the praising) and committed men of God. Of course the food was great!

Thank God for the great men of God throughout the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee.

You can see more about this ministry at the state Director's web page. Click here

Men's Ministry In Tennessee Church of God of Prophecy

POWERFUL YOUTH WEB SITE

Battle Cry has some youth who have dedicated to be engaged and very involved in the battle.

Awesome Drawing Demonstration

Click here for an awesome drawing demonstration in a worship setting.

Men's Retreat

From State Overseer E. C. McKinley at Voice of Hope

In just a few days, men will be gathering from across the State of Tennessee to participate in a highly anticipated event. On Friday and Saturday, April 13-14, 2007 Camp Hickory Hills will be the site for what looks to be one of the best-attended Men's retreat in a long, long time.

Chuck Bailey, our State Men's Director has been working for some time to make preparations for a successful event. I plan on being there, along with many of our pastors for what will be a great time of worship, fellowship, fun and good food!

If you have not registered, it is not too late. You can send an email to Chuck by CLICKING HERE, or calling the State Office 615-824-3563. I look forward to seeing you there!

Visit and Prayer Requests

Today, Karen and I visited with our niece's little son, Zachery Cantrell, who is in Vanderbilt Childrens' Hospital. He has been in serious condition but is now doing some better. Stacey, our niece requests prayer for him and the family during this time.

I spoke to Sister King today. She and Rita are doing well. They traveled with her nephew for Easter this year. She requests continued prayer for Rita.

There were several requests that came in Sunday.

We continue to pray for those in our families and community who don't know Christ as their Savior and Lord.

10 Easy Ways to Know You're Not a Leader

1. You're waiting on a bigger staff and more money to accomplish your vision.
2. You think you need to be in charge to have influence.
3. You're content.
4. You tend to foster division instead of generating a helpful dialogue.
5. You think you need to say something to be heard.
6. You find it easier to blame others for your circumstances than to take responsibility for solutions.
7. It's been some time since you said, "I messed up."
8. You're driven by the task instead of the relationships and the vision.
9. Your dreams are so small, people think they can be achieved.
10. No one is following you.

from Tony Morgan

Easter Service Today

Today was Easter and we thank God for a great day! Below are some pictures. It was good to see Sister Joyce Grace's daughter Krystel and her friend in church today. It was good also to see Sister Joann Blow back in service.

Children and parents count eggs - having a great time.
England and Tyler count their eggs.
Little Dalton finds an egg and starts peeling and eating.
Some of the younger children.
Brandon and Dad, Josh, count his eggs.

Each child was given a prize and I explained that the tomb of Christ is empty and now He fills our hearts.

We missed some of our people who traveled to Fields of the Wood for the Easter Program. It was, nevertheless, a great Easter Sunday for which we give the Lord the glory!

UPDATE - YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Yesterday Karen and I visited with Sister Jennie Sanders. She testified that the Lord has touched her hands and she can now crochet again. She is 88 years young and continues to pray that she can be well enough to come to church.

We then visted with Sister Peggy Heath in her new apartment. We had a good visit with her. She gave us an Easter Card and an offering. We enjoyed the visit with her.

We also visted for a few minutes with their friend Pauline in the lobby of the apartments.

We then visited with Sister Mildred Stacey. She is awaiting knee replacement surgery scheduled for June 4th. We were welcomed and enjoyed the visit.

We then visited with Sister Lilly Grooms. She continues to desire prayer for shortness of breath and heart problems. We prayed with each of these elderly sisters.

Today I visited with the neighbor that moves in next to church a few months ago. The young man's name is Joey. I did not get a last name but did invite him to our services.

I also visited the McKenzie Rehabilitation Facility where Sister Lenne Mae Crossno is. She was sleeping and I did not want to awake her. She continues to struggle with memory and thinking ability. I will visit her again in the future.

We pray for each of these. Call them and/or go by and see them and pray for them.

The Tomb of Jesus

With all the hype about the so-called discovery of Jesus' tomb, many Christians are up in arms. Does it surprise us that this type of information surfaces again and again? It shouldn't. The adversary, the devil, will try to discredit Christ's death, burial and resurrection as long as he is on this earth. The question pops up. . .does evidence bring faith or does faith bring evidence? Well perhaps it is both depending on the occasion - remember Thomas wanting to see and touch Jesus nail holes in his hands and pierced side. Yet, the Bible tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. 11:6 Whether faith comes before evidence or evidence comes before faith is not the most needed question to ask. The most needed question to ask is, "do you know that you know that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?" After Thomas saw and touched Jesus he proclaimed "my Lord and My God!" Was it just because he saw and touched Jesus that he could say my Lord and my God? NO!

God created man with a spirit and God is a Spirit. The Bible says His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons (and daughters) of God. One may say, "that is subjective." Do we say that the Holy Spirit is subject to carnal whims and desires? NO! When a person comes, as the Heavenly Father draws them, to Christ and repents, confesses and cries to God for salvation - the Holy Spirit does the work in their minds and hearts - regardless of how much theology, philosophy or psychology ones knows or does not know.

Yes, there is evidence by extant writings all the way from the time of Old Testament to the New Testament, to the Early Church Fathers, to the Patristic Apologists, to the Middle Ages, to the Reformation, to the Great Awakenings, to the Pentecostal outpourings and the spread of the Gospel in many heathenistic, non-Christian nations. Whether one believes because they read and grasp the evidence of thousands of years that show the historical Christ and his death, burial and resurrection or whether they believe because they exercise their faith in the simple message of he death, burial and resurrection of Christ - the Holy Spirit must be the One to bring conviction, redemption and regeneration. Thank God for Jesus Christ!

If you want to read some of the discussions about the discovery of the supposed burial place of Jesus click here But be warned, it is not the burial place that Joseph of Arimathea gave for the burial of our Lord!

John 20:29-31 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Easter Sunrise Service

The Community Easter Sunrise Service will be conducted by the Huntindon Ministerial Alliance. It will begin at 7 am at the Huntingdon High School Gym. Jimmy Brooks will bring the message. I encourage our folks to attend. I have scheduled to be there.

MOVING FORWARD

I remember one of former General Overseer Billy Murray's emphasis was "forward." This left a strong impression on me as a minister of the gospel of Christ. This encourged me to be more proactive in ministry in regards to what is important to our Chief Apostle and Captain of our faith.

While we have our times of planning and preparation, God continues to move forward. He knows what He is doing and does not need our pitiful plans. . . It has been said "to fail to plan is to plan to fail." More clearly it could be said, "to fail to plan in God's plan is to plan to fail." Moving forward in Christ's plan most assuredly means to be involved in those things that he prioritizes. He gave his life, blood, sweat, and tears for the salvation of the lost and to bring His church to His perfection (totally complete).

We know for sure that He will "present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:27

So we his people must declare His gospel with persistence and power. Jesus said in, John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me." (GW Version) Further we must continue to, "teach them to do everything I (Jesus) have commanded you. "And remember that I (Jesus) am always with you until the end of time." (Matt. 28:20, GW Version)

TENNESSEE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY STATE CONVENTION

State Overseer, E. C. McKinley announces that the State Convention posters and information will come out in the next WHIT. The Convention is scheduled for July 27-29 at the Chattanooga, TN Convention Center.

Wednesday Evening & Prayer Requests

We are thanking the Lord for a good time of prayer and bible study last evening. The children present also sang some songs. Brooks, England and Mariah sang and we enjoyed their singing.

Prayer Requests

Sister Jennie Sanders continues to desire prayer.

Sister Donna requested prayer for Alton and Delilah.

Several requests came in for lost family members.

I requested prayer for God's will in the Pastoral Appointment for Huntingdon for the next two years. Pastoral appointments are made or finalized at the State Convention which convenes the weekend of July 27-29 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga, TN.

Keep The Flame Burning

The meeting with Area Presbyter Clayton Mahan as the moderator was a great blessing. State Overseer, E. C. McKinley preached an encouraging and challenging message. The State Staff gave presentations, which were helpful. Pastors from the whole area were present and many of the church members. Thank God for a great time!

AREA WIDE MEETING - KEEP THE FLAME BURNING

Sunday night, April 1, will be the area wide meeting at the Big Sandy church. State Overseer, E. C. McKinley will be preaching. The meeting is part of the Keep The Flame Burning meetings that Overseer McKinley is conducting througout the state.

There will be no local service at the Huntingdon church on that night and we will be encouraging our people to attend.

GLORIOUS TIME IN GOD'S PRESENCE

The presence of the Lord was mighty among us today. Shouts of joy. Tears of joy. There were Several in the altar seeking God. Two young men, Jonah and Jacob Davis eyes were flooding as the Spirit moved upon them. The mother held them, one in each arm, as the Holy Spirit was very evident upon them. Testimonies came forth of God's blessings. Every age was rejoicing all over the building as the peace of God flowed. The Holy Ghost spoke and said, "I give you my peace, I give you my love, receive my peace, receive my love. . ." We were uplifted, overjoyed, filled up and running over. What a glorious time as God came and manifested in such a marvelous way.

Scheduled revival is over but the revival of the Holy Ghost in our hearts and and among us continues.