Alabama Update November 2015

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

NOVEMBER 2015

Church of God of Prophecy Signs Agreement with Pentecostal Theological Seminary

In an effort to further develop and equip its leaders, the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) has signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” agreement with the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS), expanding educational options for the Church’s leaders and members around the world.

Bishop Sam N. Clements, general overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, and Dr. R. Lamar Vest, president of Pentecostal Theological Seminary, signed the agreement Tuesday at the COGOP International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee, surrounded by the Church’s General Presbyters and International Offices staff.

“This is a very exciting and wonderful day for the Church of God of Prophecy,” Clements remarked. “W e join hands with our brothers and come together in an agreement, this Memorandum of Understanding, so that we can work together to help educate our ministers and spread the Gospel message across this whole world.”

The new agreement will see increased promotion of the seminary at Church of God of Prophecy events, scholarships and the option of cohort groups around the world offering certificate programs, graduate studies and even a doctorate of ministry. The programs will include: Diploma in W esleyan Pentecostal Ministry (90 units), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (48 credit hours), Master of Arts in Counseling (48 credit hours) and Doctor of Ministry (36 credit hours).

“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Vest. “W e’re in the business of training people, our young men and women, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is going to give us a grand opportunity to train a new generation to preach the Gospel.”

Vest also remarked on the new partnership being a homecoming of sorts for the seminary, which is a Church of God institution, and the Church of God of Prophecy, a sister organization, both headquartered in the same city. Vest said the seminary offers the chance for COGOP members to learn from instructors in the W esleyan Pentecostal tradition.

“These two organizations have grown up together,” he said. “Our photo albums look alike.”

The Church of God of Prophecy has educational arms already active, such as the Center for Biblical Leadership and agreements with Lee University Online and Massachusetts-based Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which will continue.

Brian Sutton, an alumnus of PTS and lead pastor of Peerless Road Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, is serving as partnership coordinator and program coordinator for the COGOP along with Dr. David Han, vice president of academics for the seminary.

“W ith this, we can go into any part of the world and offer certificate, graduate, and post-graduate programs. W ith our focus on reaching the young harvest and developing them into leaders for the Church, this is a tremendous inroad to that,” Sutton said.

Dr. Han also said he was “personally and professionally” excited about the agreement.

“This helps the seminary to fulfill its mission, which is to build the resources for the kingdom of God, but it also helps the Church of God of Prophecy working with us to provide the kind of education that its ministers would need,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation for us and I’m really excited about this collaboration that really carves a new path both for the seminary and the Church of God of Prophecy.”

Along with Bishop Sutton and Dr. Han, additional members of the steering committee include Bishop Clements, Dr. Vest, Dr. J. David Stephens, Bishop Tim Coalter, and Bishop Clayton Endecott.

The first classes under the new agreement will launch in the fall of 2016, following recruiting and promotions that will culminate at the Church of God of Prophecy’s International Assembly in July 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

Carbon Hill: W e had Brother Steve Puckett for revival and two souls were saved. Praise the Lord!

Cunningham Bridge: We want to praise the Lord for all He is doing here at Cunningham Bridge. Our attendance is up with a high of 16 on the third Sunday morning. Brother Adam helped us paint the church and built us a cross for the front of the church and two crosses for the sanctuary. Brothers Shane and Jimmy of Mt. Olive B a p t i s t, a l o n g w i t h Brother Charles of Rainsville First Baptist renovated our bathrooms. They look very good. Mt. Olive donated all the materials.

W e praise the Lord for all their help. The Lord is doing a mighty work here and we invite all to come and fellowship with us.

Eastlake Highlands: The month of August was a great month. God blessed the church with 4 new members. Our children’s church is on the move with all the children excited about their church. God is good.

Fayette-North Pointe: North Pointe Ladies went to see the movie “W ar Room” and enjoyed a time of fellowship afterwards.

Brother Damon Rose and his wife, Teresa, were our guest ministers for our Homecoming Celebration. The altar filled during the worship and many needs were met. Seven of our ladies were blessed at the W omen’s Conference. W e had two souls saved this month. Praise the Lord!

Gordo: God is blessing at Gordo. The church is committed to see people come to the Lord. Also, we are making updates on our building, and recently, we were able to replace all of our windows. Now we are making plans to have the interior painted and new flooring installed. The Saints at Gordo are a great group of people.

Grant-Sanctuary on the M ountain: Our ‘Revival Sundays’ began September 7. We had great services and messages and increased attendance with visitors each service.

Our evangelists were: Jason Hawkins, Floyd Henderson, Becky W ilson, T. J. Armstrong, Floyd W ilson, Jacob Curtis and Stacy Tuttle. They preached powerful messages. W e thank God for Jim Seymour and others that came to assist in this revival.

Greenpond: Teach and train the children.

Three attended the Children’ Conference in North Carolina. Each came back excited with a stronger desire to teach our children.

Several ladies attended the Ladies Retreat at Camp Boothe. The ladies were encouraged and shared how God had blessed in the services. Four were baptized. Pastor Lowery from Jasper had the privilege of baptizing his son and grandchildren.

Grove Hill: On September 20 th, we welcomed our new pastor and celebrated September birthdays with fellowship and refreshments.

Haleyville-Pathway: W e thank God for three new members: Brother Duston Richarson, Sister Chrystal Richerson and Sister Corytne Ballard. Thank you God! Hazel Green: W e enjoyed a revival with Brother David Woods. Many were blessed with a good Spirit throughout this meeting.

Praise the Lord, the church is going forward.

Leesburg: Our youth ministries choir and drama team conducted a service at an area Methodist church. They also participated in the “See You at the Pole” at the high schools and had over 40 youth attending a block party the same evening in downtown Centre with all the other area youth groups.

Some of them shared their testimonies.

Christina Callantine coordinated a benefit dinner and auction to raise funds for our Thanksgiving Meals Ministry; over $1,000 was raised.

Robertsdale: W e are happy to report new members, Roy and Dolois Spivey. Praise God! Short Creek: God’s blessings are new every morning! W e have been busy with fund-raisers (dinners, making candy, etc.) to

do some much needed work around the church and for a revival fund. W e appreciate our ladies and youth for their faithfulness in helping. W e enjoyed a fun-filled day at Oak Mountain with the youth and children. Sister Green has been doing some wonderful teaching on the Ten Commandments each W ednesday night and our ladies meet every Tuesday for Bible study led by our W omen’s Minister, Judy Pate. W e had 10 ladies attend the Ladies’ Retreat and what a wonderful time we had! The seniors have a luncheon each 3 rd Tuesday with devotion by W anda Salter. Each 2 nd W ednesday night is Family Night when we enjoy fun, food, and fellowship with everyone.

Our services have been powerfully led by the Holy Spirit. To God be the Glory!

Tarrant: W e have been encouraging our children to bring their Bibles to children’s church and to show our appreciation for their participation...the kids went to McDonald’s for an outing. The drama team performed a skit “The Son, W ho’ll Take The Son” at the Birmingham District True North Young Adult meeting. W OW what an awesome Ladies Conference held at Camp Boothe, we had six ladies attend.

W e honored our pastor and her husband with a birthday offering. The Bible study at the Presbyterian M anor has grown tremendously. To end the month Kevin Lyles was guest speaker at our Birmingham District True North... ‘Time to W orship’.

W e want to welcome Ruth Lewis into our fellowship who transferred her membership from Dothan to Tarrant. God’s blessings continue to flow.

Trinity: W e have just ended a Month-OfSunday’s Revival with four young ladies getting saved. W e had different evangelists that delivered outstanding, powerful messages. Thanks to all the ministers who came and shared the W ord with us.

Twilleytown: September 20 th, Twilleytown had an old fashion baptismal service down at the river at Reeds Ferry. The oldest being in her 80's and the youngest in grammar school. Lewis Hyde spoke a few words and then nine persons were baptized.

W hat an exciting day! Pictures

Harvest Partners Tips For Abundant Life Carolyn Guyton

Trust the Sovereignty of God

Anniston District M eeting Our district meeting conveyed at the Silver Run church on Saturday night, September 19 th. Brother Boyd and his church led us into God’s presence with anointed singing.

Sister Donna’s message ‘God’s Everything’ was a blessing to all in the house. W e had good attendance and a great time in the Lord.

Ben Howard, True North Leader

Hydrate I want to express my personal thanks to you and the entire team who came to Sheffield High and Middle Schools. The format and presentation of Hydrate is absolutely the highest degree of excellence. I watched as the students were instantly engaged from the very beginning. I personally saw students who were impacted with your message of hope. Hydrate reaches them exactly where they are and offers them the alternative to what they are facing. And the night event is astonishing. I am 59 years old and have seen a lot in my life, but I have never seen anything like Hydrate!

Blessings and strength for you and your team as you continue to make the difference in young lives.

In His Grace, Randy Burbank Lead Pastor, Sheffield First United Methodist Church

Thanksgiving November 26, 2015

There are many uncertainties in life. W e all go through times when we don’t know what tomorrow will hold; times of indecision and discomfort. There are also times when we know we are facing a period of pain and struggle, which causes fear and dread. Even when positive new adventures lie ahead, this can cause us to feel fear and anxiety as well.

In whatever season you are today, I encourage you to recognize God in your situation.

God is in control. God, our Heavenly Father, is the one and only true and living God. He created the world and everything in it. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He has power, authority and rule over it all. This awesome God is always with us and working things for our good.

God can do anything. Jeremiah 32:17 states, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” Nothing is impossible for God! The only limitation on God is in our minds.

God’s ways are not our ways. God sees all and knows all. He sees the big picture when we only see our little portion. W e may not always be happy with or understand what happens in life, but we must trust that God knows best. I am very grateful that God hasn’t always answered my prayers the way I would have liked. Looking back on life very clearly shows that He knew best.

How blessed we are to be able to live with the knowledge that “God’s got this”!

Trust God’s sovereignty and seek every day for the abundant life that only comes from Him. For free e-book, subscribe to Live! mailing list at liveyourfullestlife.com facebook.com/liveyourfullestlife; cguyton2@att.net

This month we have celebrated Thanksgiving and the birthday of the churches in Minsk and Berezino.

In Berezino we appoint Pasha and Masha to be a pastors there. There were a lot of people. The teens worship team lead a part of worship.

The church in Minsk celebrated its 11 th birthday. And by the way, it’s been a year since we started gathering in our own building. It was a great holiday for us! A lot of unbelievers came! W e prepared an interesting program on the service and we all shared what we are grateful to God for.

And after that we had lunch together. W e thank God that He has given us this building! During this year we were able to do a lot of events and different services.

People around here now know that there is a church!

Youth project “HOME” is growing.

W e conducted a creative evening “Open Floor” and invited unbelievers to participate. W e have selected the best performances and gave people the opportunity to show their talents. They sang, danced, recited poems.

It is interesting that after that evening they wanted to make a similar concert for the orphanage! W e are very pleased by this offer! Now we are planning to make a concert with them dedicated to Christmas.

In early December, there will be a day dedicated to people with disabilities.

W e want to invite them to the show and organize a pleasant day, and also give them gifts as a sign of caring. W e are also planning to go to the orphanage. W e believe that this is a good opportunity to please forgotten people and tell them about Jesus. It is also a good opportunity to make friends with non-believers who will participate and show them our Christian lives as well.

This Saturday we are organizing a conference “IMPACT”. Churches from the Berezino and Mogilev are going to gather in Minsh. W e will pray together, exchange useful inform ation ab out diffe re nt ministries. W e will do work-shops on the themes “Teenage and Children Ministry,” “W orship”, “The Alpha Course”. It will be a very good time for all of us!

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Love in Him, Gena

ANNOUNCEM ENT Prayer Line with Dr. W essly Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM Dial 712-432-1690 Access Code: 650786#

DEATHS Decatur: Johnny Slaton entered his resting place September 21 st. He was a faithful member since October 1, 1951, He will be greatly missed.

Huntsville-M astin Lake: Bonnie Boyd passed from this life November 15 th.

ATTENTION!!!

Alton COGOP is interviewing for a Youth Pastor. “W e are looking for someone called by God to the Youth Ministry”.

Contact: Pastor, Daniel Stronge, Alton C hurc h , 23 0 5 O ld A lto n R o ad , Birmingham, AL 35210, 2 0 5 - 2 3 3 - 0 0 1 3 , blendedminstries@yahoo.com STATE W EB SITES Alabama Update Blog: W W W .alabamaupd ate.blogspot.com Alabama W eb Site: alcogop.org Youth-Tim Beck W eb: w w w .experiencehydrate.com www.hydrateministries.com AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS Joey Dobbs: Member of Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy. Telephone (205)7463017.

Earlean Emerson, P O Box 1863, Hamilton, AL 35570. Telephone (205) 921-5637.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 156 W oodstock, AL 35188; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129. Fill in for pastors also.

Steve Puckett, 471 Co Rd 275, Arley, Al, 35541, Home: 205-295-5117; cell 864385-0626.

SPEAKING AND SPECIAL PROGRAM S: Anita Falkner Parker, 3615 Moody Pkwy, Moody, AL 35004. Telephone (205) 640-6207.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 156; W oodstock, AL, 35188; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129.

M USICAL M INISTRY B reaking C hains, E lliot:2 5 1 -4 5 4 8946,breakingchainsworship@yahoo.com.

W EDDINGS Aliceville: Rebekah Pate and Jared Ison were married June 27 th. She is the granddaughter of Clifton and W ilda Pate.

BABY DEDICATION Leesburg: Charlie Jade W eaver was dedicated September 13 th by his parents Chris and Alyssa W eaver.

THANKSGIVING How gracious plenty rules the board, And in the purse is gold; By multitudes in glad accord Thy giving is extolled.

Ah, suffer me to thank Thee, Lord, For what thou dost withhold!

I thank Thee that howe'er we climb There yet is something higher; That though through all our reach of time W e to the stars aspire, Still, still beyond us burns sublime The pure sidereal fire!

I thank Thee for the unexplained, The hope that lies before, The victory that is not gained,— O Father, more and more I thank Thee for the unattained, The good we hunger for!

I thank Thee for the voice that sings To inner depths of being; For all the spread and sweep of wings, From earthly bondage freeing; For mystery— the dream of things Beyond our power of seeing!

NOVEM BER PASTORS/W IVES BIRTHDAYS Morris Bates Charles Boyd John Billy Butler Jason Knowles Tamera Pate Vicki Pigorsch Lloyd Smith Bobbie Smith Johnnie Ruth Stanton Daniel Stronge James W allace Kenneth W ilkins Roy W ooten ANNIVERSARIES Lynn and Kim Hitt Ernest and Vicki Pigorsch Curtis and Joyce Sutton ÈÈÈÈÈÈÈ

Future Events Hydrate Campus Tour

November 12-22 Mission Team to Nepal Tim Beck, Leader Dec 30-January 2 W inter Conference Camp Boothe January & M arch January D. Min School Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe 18-22 Leaders of Leaders, Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe M arch 10-13 Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe 14-17 Leaders of Leaders Camp Boothe ÈÈÈÈÈÈÈ

Winter Conference 2016 NEVER 12.30.15 GOING 01.02.16 BACK www.hydrateministries.com

Winter Conference 2016 NEVER GOING BACK October 2015 Greetings Beloved, The theme for Winter Conference 2016 is “Never Going Back”. We need another revolt to occur in this land causing an entire nation to turn around, forsake sin and the flesh, and decide, once and for all, Jesus will be Lord of our generation. We must equip and empower the current generation in America to rise, stand, and contend for awakening and revival. Let the grassroots movement begin! Awakening is on the horizon! The sons are rising! Daniels (sons) and Esters (daughters) will be revealed at Winter Conference and released into modern-day Babylon to shake America once again! We will behold the Next Great Awakening and become the Next American Revolution!

Winter Conference will be held at Camp Boothe. The address is: 3111 Greyhill Rd., West Blocton, AL 35074.

The conference will begin on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015 and go through Saturday, January 2nd, 2016. Registration will be from 9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30th with lunch being served at 12 (noon). The cost of this conference is $70 per person, which covers room and board, ten meals, snacks and conference fees. Winter Conference is designed for students ages 14 and above, student leaders, and youth pastors.

There are two ways to register for WC 2016: #1-

You and your students can go to www.hydrateministries.com, click on the “Winter Conference” tab, and print off an application.

#2-

You can make copies of an application and distribute them to your students.

Note: All applications and tuition need to be postmarked by Tuesday, December 15th. After this date, there will be a $25.00 late fee for any applications received. This fee applies to walk-ins as well.

We want to personally invite you and your students to gather with us on December 30th – January 2nd as we cry out for more of the Lord! We hope that you, your leaders, and your students will make plans now to attend Winter Conference 2016. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate you!

Harvest & Revival,

Tim & Bethany Beck 205.994.1897

P.O. Box 707 Bessemer, AL 35022

hydrateministries.com

September Statistics

2015

CHURCH

SM

TITHES

CHURCH

SM

Alexander City Aliceville Alton Altoona Anniston Praise Worship Bayou La Batre Bessemer Hopewell Rd Woodland Hills Boaz Boldo Brown’s Chapel Browntown Calera Harvest Chapel Carbon Hill Chickasaw Citronelle Clanton Collinsville Harvest Center Cordova Cottondale Cunningham Bridge Decatur Dothan Dry Valley East Lake Highlands Elba Elkmont Eoline Fayette-North Pointe Fort Payne Gadsden Living Waters Goodwater Joyful Praise Gordo Grant-Sanctuary Greenpond Grove Hill Hackleburg Haleyville Pathway Hamilton New Heights Happy Hill Harris Chapel Hartselle Hazel Green

27 10 50 12

2285.75 3540.54 3572.22 1368.22

48 7

4999.67 300.00

82 78 7 38 23 41

8257.50 9630.21 727.00 852.18 --3944.80

69 126 18 14 13

--7771.21 1775.00 2286.00 3546.21

50 68 100 14 32 7 --46 4 No Report 27 79 7

6260.50 ----973.00 2738.40 --2577.07 2462.05 637.00

Huntsville Mastin Lake Bell Road Jasper Leesburg Lincoln Mentone Montgomery Moulton Munford Silver Run Odenville Parrish Pelham Pinson Parkway Poarch Red Bay Robertsdale Rock Cliff Sheffield Cliff Haven Short Creek Sterrett Summerbrook Tannehill Mission Tarrant City Trinity Worship Twilleytown West Blocton Winfield Family World Outreach

72 11 30 125 22 21 14 23 20 56 13 27 34 5 22 20 No Report 124 40 103 48 48 50 61 54 10 53 ---

46

5679.30

15 42 No Report 82 8 151 80 No Report 65 55 17 52

1991.83 7517.60

2851.71 5215.00 765.92

6718.96 1118.00 20980.05 5040.80 10785.55 6398.17 1224.50 ---

TITHES

12811.92 1821.00 4178.00 8507.80 1083.50 2470.00 1162.00 3429.46 1575.00 1947.32 800.00 3032.74 2217.83 --3206.66 1917.50 15816.96 4667.50 7155.50 3598.51 --3047.04 7665.45 3779.00 --3536.38

THE ABOVE STATISTICS WERE TAKEN FROM TREASURERS’ REPORTS RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OF OCTOBER 2015

Reports from Previous Months August Hazel Green

50

4324.40

ALABAMA UPDATE Church of God of Prophecy P.O. Box 707 Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0707

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE A PAID Permit No.256 BESSEMER, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Sympathy to our Ministers Families Reba Decker November 15, 2015 Deceased pastor, Artis Decker’s wife

Christine (Staggs) Douglas October 31, 2015 Deceased Eugene Douglas’ wife

Bishop Hugh R. Edwards November 8, 2015 Former Overseer and General Appointee

Bernice Foster November 17, 2015 Deceased, former pastor (Olan) Foster’s wife

Bessie Lee November 10, 2015 Deceased, former pastor, William Lee’s wife

Annie Mae Odem October 13, 2015 Iris (Jimmy) Scales’ mother

Sara Ponders November 1, 2015 Deceased deacon, Ray Ponders’ wife

Earl Smith November 3, 2015 Lloyd (Brenda ) Smith’s brother

Linda Summerford October 22, 2015 Former Alabama Pastor, Charles Summerford’s wife

The Alabama Update is the official monthly publication of the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama. Yearly subscription rate is $7.00. Statements in this publication referring to the Church of God have reference to the Church of God of Prophecy. Articles and news briefs submitted for publication must be received by the fifth of the month for publication, and should be sent to: Alabama Update, PO Box 707, Bessemer, AL . 35021-0707.

L. V. Jones, Editor Billie Ruth Jones, Assistant Editor C ========================================= SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Enclosed is $ for a year subscription ($7.00 per year) to the Alabama Update.

Name (Please print)_______________________________ M ailing Address__________________________________ City________________________State________________ Church__________________________________________