2023 Concert

New Jersey State Churches

Community Church of God

13 Grant Avenue, Newark

973-824-2888 | ccognewark@gmail.com

Rev. Rufus D. McCall, III, Senior Pastor

Community Church of God

417 West Sixth Street, Plainfield 908-754-8288 | ccogplainfield@gmail.com

Rev. Cherrena Dale-Rawls, interim Pastor

First Church of God

753 Chestnut Street, Camden 856-964-4165 | mableshade@aol.com

Rev. Dr. Tyrone Billingsley, Senior Pastor

Life Abundant Church of God

167 Mercer Street, Trenton 609-989-8383 | lsa39@comcast.net

Elder Lois Key-Alexander, Pastor

New York Avenue Church of God

711 N. New York Avenue, Atlantic City 609-348-2744 | melfarmer@icloud.com

Rev. Melvin Farmer, Senior Pastor

Orient Church of God

18-20 Ivy Place, Jersey City 201-433-5895 | rvstro@aol.com

Rev. Rufus V. Strother, Senior Pastor

Prophetic Church of God

123-125 N. Fifth Street, Paterson 973-942-5109 | propheticcog@aol.com

Rev. Warren F. McDowell, Senior Pastor

Reformed Church of God

194 Twelfth Avenue, Paterson 973-742-0416 | reformedchurchofgod194@gmail.com

Rev. N. Frances Tann-Morton, Senior Pastor

A Word from Our President

Greetings in the Name of Christ Jesus! What a joy and honor it is to welcome you to the 2023 Joint Conference of the NJ State Christian Education Ministry and the NJ State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God!

Although the two years of virtual conference due to COVID-19 were anointed virtual gatherings, it’s a great blessing to be back in person for this year’s conference. God’s grace and mercy has covered us and kept us through these difficult times. My prayer is that you will experience God’s very presence during the conference and that The Holy Spirit will lead us into a season of revival, refocus and restoration.

This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the NJSMC! During conference, through the licensing and ordination of ministers, we strengthen the NJSMC for the work of our commission, and in the honoring of the Saints that have transitioned to Glory, we are reminded of the legacies that we live in.

The Christian Education Ministry team has yet again put together a conference workshop schedule that will bring needed strength and challenge! “It’s Time to Be There: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable!”

May God continue to grant you His peace and blessings,

Pastor Rufus V. Strother

A Word from Our Vice-President

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am excited to welcome you to the in-person 2023 New Jersey State Ministerial Conference (NJSMC) and State Christian Education Ministry (SCEM) Joint Conference! To God be the glory!

It has (and for some continues to be) a difficult season as we had to bid farewell to loved ones, deal with health problems, caregiving, family, work, church, and the daily challenges of life Yet, I declare in the words of a great hymn, “life is worth the living just because He lives!”

As we celebrate 90 years of the NJSMC, I reflect upon the time my father served with vision and faithfulness as chairman. I honor the legacy of my beloved parents the late Reverend Samuel and Lila Key. I also honor the legacy of all the saints of our NJSMC who are in glory resting from their labors; and their works do follow them. May we continue to press forward with all those beloved saints as the wind beneath our wings!

This weekend will be full of faith, fun, fellowship, and learning! I am super excited to begin the conference with the licensing of our ministers and the ordination of Dr. Scott Cumberbatch! This is the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes!

Thank you to the SCEM team for your labor in the planning of this conference to present ministry in excellence!

I invite you to open your hearts and minds to a weekend full of God’s word from anointed vessels who are prepared to help equip us for ministry! I thank all the facilitators for their willingness to serve

I pray and expect a move of God! I hope you do, too! Let’s go and grow!

-Pastor Lois

A Word from SCEM

We, the New Jersey State Christian Education Ministry, are excited to welcome you to the 2023 Joint Conference! It has been 4 years since we last gathered for conference in person. Even though we have had successful virtual conferences, there is NOTHING like the gathering of God’s people as we learn and grow together.

For years, many of us have gotten comfortable in doing what we’ve always done almost becoming averse to change because of what it may do to our familiar culture and mindset of what the church should be. However, the last three years have proven that we cannot continue to operate in a “business as usual” mindset because times are changing faster than we realize. We have gone from people coming into a physical church building to people worshipping via social media and online outlets. This is just a small example of the change we were all involuntarily pushed into.

During this conference, we pray that something is said or done that will not just grow the State aggregation, but that you can take back to your local assemblies to continue to effect change in your church and the surrounding communities

We also pray that you enjoy the fellowship of the saints and all the activities we have planned for you.

If there’s anything we can do to make your weekend experience better, please do not hesitate to speak to any of us. Again, welcome to the 2023 Joint Conference, happy 90th Anniversary to the New Jersey State Ministerial Conference, and may God bless you as we fellowship this weekend!

Much love,

Bro. DeAndre Hollingsworth

Sis. Ciara Stewart

Sis. Vincetra DeVine-Jones

Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch

The New Jersey State Christian Education Ministry (SCEM)

Weekend Itinerary

Friday, April 21, 2023

5:00-6:30 – Registration

7:00 PM – The Church at Worship: Service of Licensure and Ordination

Lakeside Terrace Ballroom

Rev. Eddie Spencer, IV, Preacher

Saturday, April 22, 2023

8:15-9:00 – Morning Glory with Pastor Lois Alexander

8:30-9:00 – Registration Foyer – 1st Floor

9:00-12:30 – Workshops See Classrooms on next page

12:30-5:30 – Free Time

6:30-8:30 – Awards Reception

Einstein Ballroom

Rev. Janel T. York, Keynote Speaker

9:00-11:00 – Game Night in the Square Palmer Square

Sunday, April 23, 2023

9:30 – The Church at Worship: Closing Session

Einstein Ballroom

Rev. Janel T. York, Preacher

**All hotel guests must be checked out by 12:00 Noon.**

The Church at Worship - Friday, April 21, 2023

Pastor Rufus V. Strother, Worship Leader

Processional………………………………....………New Jersey COG Clergy, Visiting Clergy, Licensees, and Ordinand

Holy, Holy”

Invocation…………………………….………...…….………………………………………………….…….Pastor Lois Key-Alexander, Pastor, Life Abundant COG, Trenton & NJSMC Vice President

Hymn of Celebration……………

”All Hail the Pow’r of Jesus’ Name” (Coronation)

Scripture…………………………………………………………………….………………………….……Pastor Cherrena Dale-Rawls, Pastor, Community COG, Plainfield & NJSMC Recording Secretary

Musical Selection………………………………………… ,,,,New Jersey State Fellowship Choir

The Service of Licensure and Ordination

Presentation of the Licentiates

Min. Floyd E. Lewis, Jr. Reformed Church of God, Paterson, New Jersey Rev. N. Frances Tann-Morton, Pastor

Min. Isaiah Key Life Abundant Church of God, Trenton, New Jersey Elder Lois Key-Alexander, Pastor

Presentation of the Ordinand

Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch Prophetic Church of God, Paterson, New Jersey Rev. Warren F. McDowell, Pastor

Pastor Warren McDowell: Scott, you have heard from the Credentials Committee, from the Ministerial Assembly, and from the lessons taken out of the Holy Scriptures of the dignity and of the great importance of the ministry to which you are called. Now, again we exhort you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, that you be constantly in remembrance of how great and holy is the office unto which you are being ordained. God has called you into ministry. Your tasks are many. You are to be a messenger, a steward of the Lord, and an ambassador of Christ. You are to teach, to admonish, and to feed the flock over which the Lord has made you an overseer that they all may be saved through Christ forever.

Now, in order that the church here assembled may receive full proof of your undeterred determination, and that the charge shall be forever upon you, you will answer plainly these questions that the ministry, in the name of God’s Church, requires of you. Do you promise to be faithful to the high calling of God?

Dr. Scott Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you believe in the authority of the Bible, that you will hold yourself accountable to it even as you are holding accountable the people who are in your care?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you pledge to study to show yourself approved unto God, rightly interpreting the Word of Truth?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you promise to set the believers an example in speech, in love, in faith, in purity, and so live before all people that no one will miss The Way by your example?

“Holy,

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you promise to expand your strength of hand and mind and soul that the Kingdom of God may be extended through you?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you promise to live so that, to the very best of your ability, you will personify the love, the purity, the soul-burden, the purpose, and the righteousness of the Divine Christ?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you promise to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you promise to be true and faithful to the doctrine and truths set forth in the Bible and proclaimed by the Church of God, to adorn these truths with a godly and moral life, and to demonstrate this commitment by your loyalty to the Body of Christ and accountability to your fellow ministers?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: Do you acknowledge and affirm your oneness with all other ministers of the Church of God, promising to regularly meet with the ministers of the NJSMC where you will serve in their duly called meetings, and be subject to their duly instituted procedures?

Dr. Cumberbatch: I do.

Pastor McDowell: We, the ministers of the New Jersey State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God, therefore, charge you to be true to the ministry and to your calling all the days of your life. Remember, that this is not merely for a day, a year, or a decade, but for all the days of your life…for as long as you live.

Laying of Hands & Prayer of Ordination

*All ordained clergy are invited to lay hands on the ordinand*

The Pronouncement and Presentation of Certificate of Ordination

Offering………………………………………………………

Introduction of the Preacher……………………

Pastor Rufus D. McCall, III, Pastor, Community COG, Newark & NJSMC Treasurer

Bro. DeAndre M. Hollingsworth, NJ State Christian Education Ministry

Musical Selection…………………………………………………………………….………..,,,,New Jersey State Fellowship Choir

The Preached Word…………………………

The Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Pastor Lester W. Wormley, D. Min., Pastor, Liberty Baptist Church, Elizabeth, New Jersey

Remarks……………………………………….……………………………………………………………Rev. Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch

Pastor Lois Key-Alexander Pastor Rufus V. Strother

Final Remarks and Benediction……………

Pastor Lester W. Wormley

The Church at Worship – Sunday, April 23, 2023

Bro. DeAndre M. Hollingsworth, Worship Leader

Call to Worship and Invocation……………………….… ,,,, Pastor Rufus V. Strother, Pastor, Orient COG & NJSMC President

Hymn of Celebration…………………………………………….……………………………………………………”More Love to Thee” *Congregation is asked to stand*

Scripture…...……………………………………………………………………………….…………………………...…………..Ciara Stewart, NJ State Christian Education Ministry

Prayer……

Rev. Dr. James H. Barnes, Pastor Emeritus, Orient COG & NJSMC Financial Secretary

Musical Selection……………………………………… New Jersey State Fellowship Choir

Announcements Sis. Vincetra DeVine-Jones, NJ State Christian Education Ministry

Offertory……………………………

Pastor Rufus D. McCall, III, Pastor, Community COG & NJSMC Treasurer

Introduction of Preacher………… DeAndre M. Hollingsworth, NJ State Christian Education Ministry

Musical Selection……………………………………………………………………….……..…New Jersey State Fellowship Choir

The Preached Word…………………………………….…………………………….……………….……..Pastor Janel Tinsley York, Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church, Paterson, New Jersey

The Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Remarks……………….…………………………………………………………..……….………………..…..Pastor Lois Key-Alexander Pastor Rufus V. Strother

Final Remarks and Benediction……………….…………………...……………………………...……….……..Pastor Janel T. York

Rev. Janel T. York

Rev. Janel T. York is the Senior Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ. She is the third pastor and first female pastor in the history of this congregation.

A native Patersonian, Rev. York is a product of the Paterson Public Schools, including Paterson’s famed Eastside High School. She has also studied at the Christian Bible Institute, Liberty Baptist Seminary, and New York Theological Seminary. Rev. York was licensed to preach in 1998 at the Christ Temple Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ, and ordained in 2009 at the Roger Williams Baptist Church in Passaic, NJ by the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association.

She has served in a variety of capacities in the congregations that she has served, providing leadership and service as Youth Director, Singles Ministry Leader, Christian Education Director, and Church Administrator. She has also been an instructor and Bible Study Leader for women, Young Adults, and Senior Adults.

In 2014, Rev. York served as Interim Pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church of Hackensack. In 2015, she was called to serve as Interim Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church. Her dedication and commitment during this interim period compelled the Friendship Baptist Church to extend the call to her as Pastor in 2016. Under her leadership, the church is experiencing growth in every area.

Rev. York has served as Auditor of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association and is an Executive Board Member of the NAACP Paterson Branch. She is a member of the Hampton University Minister's Conference and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. She also serves as Assistant Director of Noah’s Ark Summer Development Program.

Along with these titles, Rev. York has added Author to the list as she recently released her first writing project, Stepping Into My Purpose. Beyond her service as a Pastor and community servant, Rev. York is most proud of her role as mother to her young adult children, Ashley and Rajon.

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Wormley

“Energetic!” “Dynamic!” “Insightful!” These are just some of the words used to describe the ministry of Pastor Lester W. Wormley. He was born and raised in Newark, NJ and began his leadership journey by operating in music ministry. Prior to becoming a pastor, he strengthened the music ministries of churches as a musician and director for over 15 years starting with his home church, the Randall Chapel Freewill Baptist church. In addition, he established or assisted several gospel choirs of academic institutions including Science High (Newark, NJ), Elizabeth High School (Elizabeth, NJ), Rutgers University (Newark, NJ) and Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ).

In August, 1991 Rev. Wormley began to preach the Gospel and build a reputation as a capable preacher as well as a musician. His talent and commitment to ministry carried him to churches, schools and performing arts venues around the country.

Rev. Wormley served as Pastor of the St. Mark Unified Free Will Baptist Church from 2001-2010. In May 2010, he answered the call to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Liberty Baptist Church. During his pastoral tenure, he has demonstrated passion for ministry and compassion for people. He is driven to impact the community through engagement, advocacy and organization. He leads the church to continue to engage in programs that have a practical positive impact upon the lives of those in the community at-large. His mission is to present ministry that imparts the Word, empowers the witness, and impacts the world.

Dr. Wormley is a great advocate of education. He is a graduate of the New York Theological Seminary Christian Ministry Program. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies from Somerset Christian College (now Pillar), a Master’s degree in Biblical studies from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, a second Master’s Degree in Theological studies from Liberty University, and a Doctoral degree in Ministry from the New York Theological Seminary, where he also serves as an adjunct professor.

However, his most treasured accomplishment was his marriage to Shamika Wormley for 20 years before she passed away in 2022. Together they were blessed with three wonderful children: Markus, Shanice, and Zariah.

Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown

Saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age, The Reverend Dr. Danielle L. Brown finds great joy and satisfaction in learning, living, and preaching the Gospel. Rev. Dr. Brown was Licensed to preach on July 17, 2003, by Cathedral International (The Historic Second Baptist Church) in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and ordained by the American Baptist Churches on June 3, 2012. An increasingly sought-after preacher and workshop leader with the ability to communicate across multiple generations, Dr. Brown has had the opportunity to share the Gospel throughout this country and in South Africa.

Educated in the Perth Amboy Public Schools, Rev. Dr. Brown went on to attend Virginia State University where she was a Provost Scholar and three-sport athlete. After teaching in the Richmond Public Schools, Rev. Brown responded to God's call to return to her hometown and the church of her rearing where she served faithfully on the Pastoral Staff for 15 years.

On August 7, 2021, Dr. Brown was elected the tenth Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. She is the first woman to hold this position since the church’s founding in 1908.

Rev. Dr. Brown is a site supervisor in the Princeton Theological Seminary, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Pillar College Field Education Programs, has taught on the adjunct faculty of New York Theological Seminary, and served two terms on the Board of Trustees of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Dr. Brown is currently a co-mentor to the Pointer/Brown/Goodman Doctoral Fellows at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. She has the honor of serving on the Advisory Board of the Women in Ministry Conference, Inc. convened by The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale in Atlanta, GA, and as the Assistant Secretary of the Hampton University Minister's Conference.

Dr. Brown is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is an active member of the Perth Amboy Area NAACP, serving on the Mayor’s Strategic Planning Team and 100 Days Committee in the City of Perth Amboy. She is also a member of the Perth Amboy Board of Education.

Both servant and scholar, Rev. Dr. Brown holds Master of Education and Bachelor of Science Degrees from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, and both a Master of Divinity Degree and Master of Arts Degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She also holds an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary in St. David’s Pennsylvania, where she studied Leadership and Church Renewal.

Rev. Dr. Brown loves God, God’s Church, and God’s people. She counts it an honor and a privilege to serve.

Rev. Eddie Spencer, IV

Eddie Spencer, IV serves as the Pastor/Teacher of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey. A proud native of Burlington, NJ, he has been a minister of the Gospel for over 25 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 14 and his pastoral ministry at age 24. God has favored his ministry by allowing transformation and innovation to accompany his ministry.

Spencer is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA and holds several certificates in ministry from various institutions. Additionally, he is honored to have studied at several of the Proclaimer’s Place seminars at Oxford University under the tutelage of visionary Rev. Dr. Joel Gregory

Pastor Spencer has been intentional in his desire to develop people, enhance lives and shift culture. His ministry both excites and ignites people from every walk of life!

Rev. Ronald Brangman

Rev. Ron Brangman grew up in Orange, NJ, and attended Essex Catholic Boys High School in East Orange, NJ He later went on to study Business at Kean University in Union, NJ He and his family were longtime members of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ under the Pastorate of Rev. Charles E. Thomas. While at New Hope, Pastor Brangman’s favorite ministry was singing in the Inspirational Choir. It was while serving in the choir that he heard the call to ministry at the age of 17, but he refused to yield to that call at that time.

In 1998, he and his family joined Aenon Baptist Church, in Vauxhall, NJ under the Pastorate of Rev Alphonso Williams While a member at Aenon, he had an opportunity to work with Bishop William Hampton, founder of In Christ Fellowship Ministries, Union, NJ who exposed him to “grassroots” ministry He worked with I C F M (Jericho Prison Ministries) for 3 years, where he learned firsthand about evangelism, outreach, and street ministry

During this period Pastor Brangman also took classes to become a Faith-based drug and alcohol counselor at R.A.C E Institute in Union, NJ It was during this time that his passion for the lost developed

In 2004, Pastor Brangman was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel. In 2005, he was ordained and installed Senior Pastor of Orange Valley House of Prayer in Orange, NJ In 2007, Pastor Brangman, his family, and a group of faithful members joined Shekinah Glory Christian Church under the Pastorate of Bishop Loretta Smith-Johnson and Pastor Alexis Johnson, where Pastor Brangman served as an Associate Pastor until 2021. Also in 2007, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Brangman founded Green Pastures Ministries, based on, Psalms 23:1-2 This ministry’s mission is Evangelism, Outreach and Service to those who are tired, broken, weary, and need to find the rest that only comes from abiding in the Lord’s Green Pastures Certified a life coach in 2021, he works with individuals and couples in the areas of relationships and spiritual coaching.

Pastor Brangman has been married to his lovely wife, Elder Sharon Brangman, for over 27 years, and from this union, they have four wonderful, adult children, two daughters, Quanisha and Shalyn (Rakim), and two sons, Ronnie and Aaron, three grandchildren Elijah, Zion & Samir, with another on the way!

Rev. Tatum M. Osbourne

Rev. Tatum Monique Osbourne is a worshiper, wife, pastor, counselor, social justice advocate, and author. She is an ordained minister of the Church of God Reformation Movement (Anderson, IN). For thirty years, Rev. Osbourne has been active in Christian ministry. A native of the beautiful island of Barbados, she was raised and educated in Brooklyn, New York.

Rev. Osbourne earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City, OK). She will complete her Master's in Applied Behavioral Science from her alma mater in, Summer of 2023. Rev. Osbourne has received early acceptance into the Ph.D. program of Regent University, where she will concentrate her work on Counseling and Psychological Studies with an emphasis in International Affairs.

Rev. Osbourne is the Founder and Executive Director of Together We Rise Collective, a grassroots non-profit organization seeking to restore underserved communities’ vitality through collective action. She serves as the Executive Pastor of the Refuge Church of God located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of her husband, Rev. Kevin Osbourne.

Rev. Osbourne sits on the Presbytery Board of the Berean Fellowship of Churches under the leadership of Bishop Timothy J. Clarke. She is honored to be the Church of God's representative on the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Executive Board. She will be ratified in June 2023 to serve on the Ministries Council of the Church of God.

Rev. Osbourne is honored to be a contributing writer for several publications. In 2015, Rev. Osbourne released her first book, The Inspired Life: 400 Power Thoughts to Inspired Your Life. A revised edition and companion journal were released in March 2020. Rev. Osbourne has been honored to receive numerous citations and awards for her commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. She is a proud member of the American Psychological Association, the NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

She and her husband will be married for twenty-five years in September 2023. They reside in Brooklyn, New York.

Shatiera Porte’e

Shatiera Porte'e is an international speaker, best-selling author, mentor, entrepreneur, mother and consultant. Shatiera is a proud Red Bank, New Jersey native, who has been working in the mental health and education fields for almost two decades. Affectionately known as “your favorite school counselor,” Shatiera has turned her life’s adversities into empowerment lessons and now empowers others by sharing her story and the tools she used to overcome challenges to find herself.

Shatiera is the author of the self-help book I Forgive Myself for Forgetting Myself. To further facilitate a space of encouragement, Shatiera has created and optimized more than a dozen initiatives for businesses/communities empowering youth, extensive experiences in various counseling capacities, corrections, emergency crisis and psychiatric screening services.

Shatiera’s philosophy “counseling beyond the classroom” stems from her desire to support individuals toward mental health wellness in a non-traditional approach. Shatiera travels the world speaking and hosting workshops and events promoting self-love, self-discovery and self-empowerment, and thus founded School Counselor On Wheels, LLC.

School Counselor On Wheels, LLC is an education consulting company that provides mentoring, coaching, professional development workshops for staff and social emotional programs for youth to help build and promote self-love and self-esteem within.

Shatiera loves spending time with her son and her dog, Bailey Bella. She enjoys cooking, creating new recipes, which includes finding new places to travel, becoming an international foodie. She enjoys dancing while listening to her favorite selections of 90s music. Shatiera is working diligently to one day establish her own international mentoring program helping young girls and women all over the world to become the visionary over their lives, manifest desired dreams, while working towards making them a reality.

Jasonn L. Denard

Over the past 20 years, Jasonn L. Denard has worked as a teacher, teacher-leader, Principal, and Director in Paterson and Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Denard is a Newarkborn educator and graduate of University High School (1999). He holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Kean University (2004) and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University (2008). He was a middle and secondary English teacher before accepting a position as a Humanities Department Chair in 2009.

In 2013, he completed the Pre-K – 12 circle, so to speak, serving as a Vice Principal of a Pre-K-8 school and later as Principal of multiple schools. He has been a school board member for a local charter school and has worked with MAT students entering the field of education at Concordia University and Eastern Oregon University.

Mr. Denard currently serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning at College Achieve in Paterson, NJ and a Project Manager with The Reimagined Classroom. Mr. Denard’s passion is recruiting, supporting, and retaining men of color in education.

Mr. Denard is also a proud black male educator, husband, and father of two.

DeAndre M. Hollingsworth

DeAndre M. Hollingsworth is active in ministry at Community Church of God-Newark where his spirit of servanthood and praise is shared in and around his church. Since he became a part of CCOG-Newark, he has become a leader of their music and youth ministries. He has also been a Sunday School teacher and a member of their finance committee.

In addition to serving his local church, DeAndre is heavily involved in the New Jersey State Ministerial Conference. He is a member of the New Jersey State Fellowship Choir and one of the original members of the New Jersey State Christian Education Ministry (NJSCEM). He also enjoys visiting and worshiping with other churches in and around the state of New Jersey.

DeAndre believes that his purpose in life is to uplift and inspire youth to reach their greatest potential. For numerous years he has worked in the non-profit sector, with a national youth-serving organization. During his tenure there, he has stressed the importance of youth having a plan for their lives and believing that their faith will help them reach their goals.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Ciara Stewart

Ciara Stewart is a faithful member of Community Church of God in Newark New Jersey. At CCOG Newark she is active in the Youth Ministry, Church Videography Ministry, a Choir Member, and a Vacation Bible School Teacher. In the state, she is a member of the NJ State Choir and is also an original and current member on the New Jersey State Christian Education Ministry Team (NJSCEM).

Ciara is a 2018 graduate from Moravian University where she majored in Sports Management and Minored in Africana Studies and Mathematics while also receiving a scholarship to play on the Women’s Basketball team and be a thrower on the Track and Field team. At Moravian, Ciara was the creator and President of a club which is also a national Organization called “Fellowship of Christian Athletes” (FCA), where all athletes can meet weekly and share their similarities, their love for the support and their faith and love for Christ. She was also a Huddle Leader and a Camp Leader at many different FCA camps all over the Tri-state area.

She is currently a special education teacher at an elementary school in her hometown (particularly working with students with behavioral disorders), a three-sport coach at her high school alma mater, and she is also pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling, ultimately working towards obtaining her LPC in Play Therapy and Counseling for Addictions.

“God is within her; she will not fail.” – Psalm 46:5

Vincetra DeVine-Jones

Vincetra is a lifelong member of Prophetic Church of God, where she serves in various capacities namely, church secretary, member of the Sanctuary Choir, and instructor for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In the past, she served as treasurer for the New Jersey State Sunday School, and she currently serves as a member of the New Jersey State Christian Education Ministry.

As a woman of God, Vincetra’s life (and passion) has been dedicated to helping people in any capacity possible, which led her to pursue Nursing as a profession. For nearly 25 years, she has been employed by St. Joseph’s Healthcare, working in various capacities from pediatrics to geriatrics. While she notes that some of the patients have been and can be challenging, she accepts the challenge, understanding that God gives the biggest battles to the strongest soldiers.

Vincetra holds a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate from Berkeley College’s School of Health Studies, Ultimately, as she furthers her career, Vincetra seeks to become a Nurse Practitioner. Knowing that one can never know what is going on someone’s life, Vincetra seeks to be a blessing to someone for that blessing to be paid forward to the next person in need.

Vincetra is the wife of W. Darnell and mother to two adult sons, Jahvon and Jahmir.

Brenda Strother

Brenda Strother is the First Lady at the Orient Church of God in Jersey City, NJ, where she works alongside her husband, Pastor Rufus Strother, to spread the Gospel of Jesus. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with P-3 certification in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision.

Brenda has been an educator in an Abbott program in Jersey City, New Jersey for 29 years and has a passion for giving the young children she teaches a firm foundation in their educational journey.

Brenda is the mother of her only daughter Joy, a son Christopher, and she and her husband have the great pleasure of raising their nephew, Elliot. She holds firm to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” in every aspect of her life.

Denise L. Armour

Denise L. Armour, best known as Mrs. Denise, is a true servant of the Lord! Her favorite scripture is Psalms 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." She loves the Lord and strives to do her best, with the Lord on her side. She also believes and lives by the scripture, Philippians 4:13.

Denise has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey and a Bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from Caldwell University. She taught preschool for over 30 years before becoming a Director at Evangel Day School. One of her major accomplishments is that she opened her own school, Family Home Learning Child Care Center. In 2019, she retired and began traveling to the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia, just to name a few.

Denise is an active member of the Community Church of God, Newark, New Jersey, where she serves as Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, an usher, and a member of the Community Church of God Fellowship Choir. She is also a member of the New Jersey State Fellowship Choir.

Denise is happily married to her husband, Rev. John Armour, for 42 years. They have three sons, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and 12 grandchildren. She loves to travel near and far with her family and friends, as she is enjoying life as a retiree.

Ikhisha McCall

Ikhisha McCall is a member of the Community Church of God, Newark, New Jersey, where her husband, Pastor Rufus D. McCall, III, serves as Pastor. She is currently employed as a Retail Manager and has worked in this field for more than 15 years. She manages sales, decision-making, and customer service. Even in the secular vain, it is a ministry to her to help others find the value in what they are purchasing.

Ikhisha has a passion for working with children and the elderly. She recently obtained Certified Home Healthcare Assistant certification and plans to further her education to work with Alzheimer and dementia patients.

When she is resting from managing the business, she loves to read, sew, and arts and crafts. She loves to travel to different places to see the new items they have to offer. She also loves to sew various items and shares them with her friends and neighbors.

At CCOG, she currently serves within the local Diaconate, Usher, Sunday School, and Christian Women Connection ministries. The most important thing about her is that she is a woman of God, seeking God’s will for her life

Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch

Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch, 37, is a native of Paterson, New Jersey. He is a lifelong and active member, associate minister, and Minister of Music of Prophetic Church of God of Paterson, New Jersey, where Rev. Warren F. McDowell serves as Pastor.

Scott currently serves as Minister of Music of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey, director of the New Jersey State Fellowship Choir of the Church of God, assistant Musical Director for the Emmy Award-winning McDonald’s GospelFest, and National Minister of Music for the National Association of the Church of God. Scott has also served as musician/musical director for Rev. Stef and Jubilation, Inc.

With nearly 20 years in education, Scott has served as an English instructor at the historic Arts High School of Newark, New Jersey for 12 years, and he currently serves as Supervisor of Humanities for the Diana C. Lobosco STEM Academy of Wayne, New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from William Paterson University of New Jersey (2007), a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Secondary Education from St. Peter’s University (2018), and a Doctor of Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from St. Peter’s University (2022).

Amid all his educational and employment accomplishments, Scott has also been a professional actor, having starred in four major motion pictures, one Disney Movie of the Week, two Broadway plays, over twenty national commercials, and more. As a composer, he has had several of his compositions performed and recorded by the NACOG, National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Hampton University Ministers Conference, the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association, and the Paterson City Sings Choir. He is also a newly published composer with GIA Publications, Inc. On November 18, 2022, he, along with his recording choir, completed his first live recording. The recording of his own compositions and contributions of others as related to the Book of Psalms is scheduled for release in 2023.

Scott continues to ascribe to the thought of the late, great Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” He has determined that he will not only continue to serve as a role model for those who aspire to be instructors, educational leaders, or active ministry leaders, but he will also do his level best to create mentorship programs that will afford other African American males to impart wisdom and knowledge to those who may be in pursuit of education and ministry.

I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.... Above it stood the seraphims.... And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Isa.

Rev.

  Ho Ho On Cher

Ear Cast Though ry and

-in rise glass may sky,

ly ing the Thy   -

ful     to y not and

ing crowns manThee; sea; see; sea;

 -ho bim Thou ho

 ly, and art ly,

 -

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ser ho ho ho

  Per

ly;

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    ci ing is ci

-

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ful down none ful

and be be and

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Thy in                                       

might fore side

y! Thee, Thee, y!

God God

Who

  in was, fect in

  -

three and in three

  Per is, pow’r, Per

  sons, and in sons,

 -

WORDS: Reginald Heber, 1826. MUSIC: “Nicaea”; John B. Dykes, pub.

bless ev love bless

  ed er and ed

Public Domain.

 -

   i shall i i

Trin more pur Trin

--

  -

                                 

                          

ty! be. ty. ty!

Draw Me Nearer

I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me.... And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jer. 30:21-22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Heb. 10:22

1. I 3. Oh, 2. Con

Let But There When

I my I are

have Thy a I

heard ser sin can

I to of that  

the a with I

arms stead Thee, may

voice, Lord, hour know

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fast my not

faith hope, God reach

And And I Till

be my com

I

-

clos will mune rest

WORDS: Frances J. Crosby, pub.1875. MUSIC: “I Am Thine”; William H. Doane, pub. 1875. Public Domain.

More Love to Thee

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Mk. 12:30 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Eph. 6:24

love earth sor shall      -

2. Once

3. Let

4. Then

love grief per peace   This

to or and This This When

Thee! rest; pain; praise;   is all they still

Hear Now Sweet This   my my can its

to ly row my on give sweet my

-  heart

Thou Thee are be   ear prayer sing prayer

Thee, joy do lat bend what their

lone mes    nest shall with shall

O   ed is re shall

craved, Christ, work, breath    -

I its est   -knee; best; frain; raise;

seek, -plea: be: me: be:

     More More More More

  love, love, love, love,

  O O O O

  Christ, Christ, Christ, Christ,

   to to to to

     More More More More

Thee; Thee; Thee; Thee;

  love love love love

  to to to to

  Thee, Thee, Thee, Thee,

     more more more more

  love love love love

  to to to to

more sought come whis                                                     

                                                      

  Thee! Thee! Thee! Thee!

WORDS; Elizabeth P. Prentiss, 1856. MUSIC: William H. Doane, pub. 1870. Public Domain.