2024 February Newsletter Volume 2

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE OUR TIME IS NOW Bishop’s New Year Message New Year, New You 2023 Reflections and MORE!

NEW YEAR EDITION VOLUME 2 February 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

2

We want to make sure you stay in the house with what’s going on in the church and the world.

Are you travel-ready? Did you hear about the Color Purple premiere? Did you know we are an affiliate organization for the NCNW? If not, do not worry! Check out this issue to find out!

CONTENTS 4

BISHOP’S CORNER

5

GAZA ARTICLE

7

93RD HOLY CONVOCATION

Holiday message

Bishop’s voice on the matter

Reflections

10

HOLC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Member accomplishments

14

RANDOLPH EVANS AWARDS Scholarship and dinner

17

NCNW AFFILIATE EVENT New affiliation

23

THE COLOR PURPLE Premiere events

24

BIBLE IN A YEAR PLAN

One story that leads to Jesus

26

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU TIPS Tips on Becoming New 3

BISHOP’S CORNER Happy New Year!

By God’s grace, we have come through one year and entered a new one. Hallelujah!

The theme of our 93rd Holy Convocation was “Focused on the Future,” reflecting our desire and intent to pray, plan, and build with an eye on the future – of our own lives as well as that of our families, our communities, and our Church.

To keep this before us, we are proclaiming 2024 to be The Year of the Pursuit. We’re dreaming, envisioning, and chasing God’s promises for us, pursuing God’s Will for our lives, the lives of our loved ones, and the life of our Church. We’re writing the vision.

We’re making it plain. We’re praying, planning, and building.

We’re planting and preparing. We are boldly, unashamedly, and unapologetically focused on the future and pursuing all that God has prepared for us.

That means we’re pursuing a stronger and deeper relationship with God. Wholeness and health in our mind and body. Growth and stability in our local congregations. Justice in our communities. Prosperity in our finances. Integrity in our relationships. Peace and joy in our homes. Opportunity in our workplaces and we’re not waiting for it to happen TO us. We’re making it happen in us and around us. We’re chasing the vision.

We are In Pursuit! Let’s chase God together.

Leah D. Daughtry Presiding Prelate

On October 7, 2023, Hamas, the political and military organization governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories, launched a surprise attack that reportedly killed 1200 Israeli citizens in neighboring Israel and took more than 200 hostages.

In retaliation, Israel launched a war in the Palestinian territories with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas.

BLACK CHRISTIAN FAITH LEADERS FOR CEASEFIRE

This war has displaced more than two million Palestinians, and as of this writing, more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, mainly women and children, and many thousands more wounded by Israeli military strikes on Gaza since October 7.

Doctors Without Borders has said that this is an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis” as Palestinian residents are now without food, water, fuel, or electricity, with the Israeli military blocking the delivery of much-needed aid.

In response, our Presiding Bishop joined with several colleagues to build a coalition of Black Christian Faith leaders that would go on to publish a full-page ad in the New York Times about this issue. The signers called for four things: the return of the hostages taken by Hama, a bilateral ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the deepening of a peace process that would prevent an escalation of hostilities in the region.

The government of Israel has said that the war will continue Make Colors for at least six more months. This is not acceptable and we will Work for You continue to advocate for the cessation of hostilities and we will stay engaged in this effortThe untilBest all theLooks peoples of the region are able to live full and abundant lives, in of the Season peace, safety, and security.

5

93RD HOLY CONVOCATION RECAP & REFELECTION Photography by Herbert Daughty, Jr.r.

I am a member of the Oberlin House of the Lord Fellowship family and participated in convocation via Zoom. An especially significant moment occurred for me near the end of Sunday morning worship service. Bishop Leah prayed for our cherished Pastor AG and encouraged him to speak with his ministry team and to “let them know what things they can take off your plate!” Those timely words of wisdom were impactful and appreciated. We are grateful that our pastor has (finally) agreed to exercise a little self-care by sharing some of the ministry load with his team of willing workers!

Senior Minister Linda Gaines The 93rd Holy Convocation - What an amazing time! The weekend was full of opportunities to reflect on my spiritual journey. A couple of highlights for me were the Saturday morning message titled “Making the Thing, the Main Thing, Focus on Jesus” and the spiritual gifts workshop. I am deeply thankful for the conference and appreciate all those who labor to make it possible. I left excited and ready to do the work of the ministry.

Sis Alaya Johnson As a new member of the HOLC in Philadelphia, my first time attending the Holy Convocation was very exciting! Looking back, I would have to say the message preached on Sunday morning by Bishop Leah Daughtry was magnificent! “God is doing a new thing,” I was so encouraged by every word that it prompted me to seek God to help me continue moving forward. I was impressed with how the Bishop called all the Pastors and ministers forward to anoint and pray for each of them.

Impressive, simply impressive!! I would love to have a copy of my first Convocation with my House of The Lord family!

Sis Denise Hurst

7

"LIVING IN THE YES" MUGS $ 12.00 FLASH SALE: $ 9.60

"LET'S GO IN" T-SHIRT $ 18.00 FLASH SALE: $14.40

NEW YEAR FLASH SALE

LIVING IN THE YES" SET OF FOUR MUGS $ 40.00 FLASH SALE: $32

SHOP IN THE HOUSE ORDER TWO OR MORE AND GET 20% OFF ALL CLOTHING …

20% OFF ALL DRINKWARE …

8

"LIVING IN THE YES" SWEATSHIRT $ 26.00 FLASH SALE : $20.80

“As I reflect on the breadth and scope of my participation at this year’s 93rd National Holy Convocation, I still feel a sense of excitement and being joyfully overwhelmed. First and foremost, looking back at it all, I am so grateful that I was able to share the experience with my wife and two children: Leah and Sesinam. My wife and I have been looking for an opportunity for the Presiding Prelate to meet her namesake, whom she hasn’t seen in person since the moment of her birth. So, that was special for the Chaney family. With that being said, three other big highlights from Convocation have formed a lasting memory for me.

First, the National Presider’s class on the gifts of the spirit was a heaven-sent for me because (for several years now) I have been yearning for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit as well as a better understanding of the gifts of the spirit, how they function generally and, more importantly, how to tap into their activation within our lives. From our Bishop’s teachings, one of the things I learned is that there may already be a leaning toward or inkling of one of the gifts inside each of us. We were taught that if we feel this is the case, we should have a conversation(s) with our local pastor.

Our pastor can guide us along the pathway of development. To hear these ideas being presented by our Bishop was the confirmation I needed for me to have the confidence to move forward with my continued development. Secondly, following the teachings on the gifts of the spirit, The Presider led a group of us in tarrying for the Holy Spirit. I was able to assist in this regard by actively praying alongside one of our members who was seeking the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. What an honor it was to assist someone in the church in the same way that members of our body assisted me so many years ago when I was tarrying for the Holy Spirit. It was, for me, deeply meaningful and it’s an experience I cherish.

Finally, it is somehow very challenging for me to put into words how wonderful it is to have the experience of preaching the Word of God in Brooklyn and looking up from the pulpit to see the entire congregation of the Bergen County House of the Lord Church!! Oh!! Bergen Country showed up! And I finally got to meet Big Jon! So exciting!! Of course, I have to acknowledge the obvious: they were probably there for Minister Kharisma …but I felt So encouraged by their presence! Seeing their smiling faces gave me such a sense of peace that I really needed in those moments. The experience of the 93rd Holy Convocation was so personal and precious to me, it’s hard to overstate that. I So love this church!!”

Min. Akil Chaney

9

HOLC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to Sis. Tina Akintayo’s daughter.

Sis. Christianne Akintayo will be attending Clemson University next fall on an Athletic AND Academic scholarship!

Did you start a new business?

Are you going back to school?

Any new accomplishments?

Did you recently retire?

We believe in celebrating each other's accomplishments.

Congratulations to Sis. Brandi McAlister for completing her Grief Coaching certification with The Institute for Life Coach Training. She is now a Trained Grief Coach.

Share with us your noteworthy achievement for a HOLC member spotlight.

10

Please meet the newest member of The House of the Lord Queens Church Sis Ray’Lynn Wilder. She joined on November 5, 2023.

On November 20, 2023, Sister Alisa Payne-Clarke’s hybrid documentary film premiered on Netflix and shot up to #9 on the most-watched movies on the streaming platform. On the first day, the film premiered it beat tens of thousands of other movie titles on Netflix that week. A documentary being top ten on Netflix is extremely rare – and it is unheard of for a historical/political documentary that focuses on antiBlack systemic racism, and the resistance to that racism.

As the producer of Stamped from the Beginning, based on Ibram X. Kendi’s book of the same name, Sister Alisa was the lead person in charge of delivering the film. “On one side of my role I am the director’s creative partner and I make a lot of creative decisions, on the other side of my role I am the logistical lead and mother of everyone in credits - ultimately responsible for all personnel, talent, vendors, the budget and scheduling”, Payne-Clarke said. And she took her responsibility seriously, making sure that most people who worked behind the scenes on the film were Black. “That wasn’t easy to do, because most Unions don’t allow large numbers of Black people into their organization and we had to use Union crew, but we worked overtime to find them,” Payne recalls.

November 20: Stamped from the Beginning premiered on Netflix and rocketed to #9 of the week’s most watched movies.

11

The film’s Director, Roger Ross Williams, gave Payne-Clarke the nickname “Pastor Payne” because of her “the sermons” she gave on set every day. “We had people of various political, religious, and racial backgrounds, and it was important to be on the same accord while making a film focused on exposing myths of Black inferiority, systemic racism and how dismantling that system will lead to a truly equal and antiracist society” Sister Alisa says, “and ultimately if we want to get to that place we need all types of people truly working to dismantle all systems of oppression.”

Since premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Sister Alisa and her team have been promoting the film and participating in panel discussions focused on changing hearts, minds, and policies.

Stamped from the Beginning has screened in film festivals and theaters in Toronto, Los Angeles, NYC, Woodstock, Washington DC, Amsterdam, London, Brazil, Copenhagen, and others. Payne-Clarke is working to create an impact campaign for the film – including creating a curriculum for Middle Schools, High Schools, and colleges and screenings for Churches, schools, and other non-profits. Stamped from the Beginning is currently screening on Netflix.

December 1st: Sis. Payne-Clarke, Bishop Leah Daughtry, Bro. Miguel and Sis. Marin Clarke pose with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and family friends at the NMAAHC screening in D.C.

October 26: Sis. Payne-Clarke, Exec.

Producers Mara Brock Akil and Dr. Ibram X Kendi participating in Q&A after the film screening at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

12

GET READY

W

e’re launching a Travel Ministry!

Let’s see the world together …

You’re gonna need a passport …

Get one or renew one HERE! For more info, contact Sis. Chyann Starks at CStarks@HOLC.org

“ Do you have your passport?

THE 44TH ANNUAL RANDOLPH EVANS

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS This year's theme is Thanksgiving 1976 - Thanksgiving 2023 Violence to Victory” has special significance as we commemorate 44 years of awarding scholarships in the name and memory of Randolph Evans. As we rehearse the VIOLENCE perpetrated by Robert Torsney and the killing of young 15-year-old Randy, returning from the store on Thanksgiving g Day and the pain experienced first and foremost by Annie Evans Brannon and the Evans family, our hearts break over and over again.

Despite the fact that 5 too many killings are still taking place in our community the VICTORY that we celebrate becomes real as we are called, each one of us to conjure up in our minds the reason for this labor of love, a desire to be certain that Randy’s death and the struggle which followed will provide our young people an opportunity to pursue educational excellence and come back to make our communities better than they were before.

Among those highlighted in our 2023 souvenir journal who are indeed making a difference in our community and the world are: Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke - RE 1982 Tina Edwards Akintayo - RE 1985 Yusef Ali Johnson - RE 1987 * Kwali Campbell - RE 1988 Diedre Dawkins -RE 1990 * Lumumba Akinwole Bandele - RE 1990 Keith D. Bryant - RE 1994 * Angela Ramos Willoughby - RE 1994 Rev. Shaun Lee - RE 1996 * Nicole Bird Lester - RE 1996 Eric Blake - RE 1996 * Tylibah Iman Washington 2002 Our 2023 Awardees, Nia Johnson and Kimani Jasmin Nix, and our returning 2022 scholars Caleb Akintayo and Maddox Clarke now join the more than 450 who have received this unrestricted award.

Again this year, we renew our promise to Randy’s mother Annie Evans Brannon to keep the memory of Randolph Evans alive as we strive to create a lifeline to which our youth can cling as we struggle for a world of freedom and justice.

We are grateful to the Board of Directors, Kojo Campbell, Bishop Leah Daughtry, Russell Evans, Bishop Carlos A. Jesse, Jelani Mashariki, C. Doris Pinn, Yvette Moore Turner, Linwood Smith, and Peggy Iman Washington for their commitment to this labor of love and their unwavering support throughout the years.

14

23

On December 2, 2023, The House of the Lord Church- Bergen County hosted their 1st annual coat drive.

The members, friends of the church, and the community were able to donate 8 boxes filled with coats that ranged from youth to adult.

HOLC Bergen County partnered with The Women’s Center in Englewood, NJ to donate gently used and new coats for the 2023 Holiday Season.

16

THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CHURCHES BECOMES AN AFFILIATE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN

Our church’s selection as an Affiliate seems natural as I pondered the pillars on which NCNW stands on social justice, economic advancement, health equity, and education, and how these also are embodied in the mission statement of our church through the famous “P’s. The NCNW Affiliates Assembly meets bi-annually for training, education, and community building. As a newly minted Affiliate, we are allowed five (5) delegates at the Affiliates Assembly, and they have asked that one of our five be a collegiate or young adult (under 35 years old).

Left to my discretion as the Chair of the National Department of Women’s Work, I began to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit that those who would represent our church in this new assignment would come to mind and would be available in this new area of opportunity. With so many talented and motivated sisters to consider, and in keeping with the criteria set by NCNW, those chosen were Chyann Starks (Brooklyn, NY), Alaya Johnson (Augusta, GA), and Nia Johnson (Bergen County, NJ), who by the way, is a new Randolph Evans Scholar) in her freshman year at Howard university). Each of these sisters met the criteria set for us as being sisters who will be good representatives of our Church, who are friendly and outgoing, who can make connections for us, who are good listeners, and who can listen for opportunities and relationships that can benefit us in the future.

17

.The theme of this year's Assembly was “FORWARD TOGETHER”, with special emphasis on building a culture that would continue to embrace the principles of NCNW with special emphasis on the importance of forward movement and building and strengthening intergenerational relationships. An outstanding note to observe is that at this Affiliate Assembly, three past Presidents were in attendance, Dr. Barbara Shaw, who assumed the mantle of leadership as President upon the death of Dr. Height, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, and Dr. Thelma Thomas Daley. As one of the new Affiliates of NCNW, which now numbers around 34, I encourage all of our churches and our sisterhood, in particular, to become familiar with the rich history of NCNW to find within our various circles of sister friends who are part of this historic organization. Special thanks to our visionary Bishop and her forward-thinking for seeing the value of making us a part of this historic organization, thus expanding our territory.

I encourage our SISTERHOOD from all parts of the country to be at the 2024 National Memorial Pilgrimage in Augusta, GA this year from Friday-Sunday, March 22-24, 2024, where I would like to convene a Sisterhood session so that we can not only follow up on this new opportunity for ourselves as individuals and our church in particular but to also look at our next steps regarding our work as The National Department of Women’s Work of our beloved church.

Peace and blessings.

Dr. Karen My experience at the NCNW conference was inspiring. I needed to get exposure to all these powerful women at such a young age, as it inspired me to consider joining my school chapter and start making a difference in my community. This conference was highly enlightening and provided me with all kinds of new information that I’m incredibly grateful for, and I was glad to be representing the House of the Lord Church while receiving this information.

Sis. Nia Jonson I loved the speakers and learned so much from their presentations. The panel discussions were engaging and thoughtful with representation from top African American female leaders in their field. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and forge connections.

Looking forward to the next conference.

Sis. Alaya Johnson

18

Our Bishop, Rev. Leah, who serves on the Board of NCNW, had been invited by the one and only Oprah to the Premier of “The Color Purple” in California, which she attended with her sister Sharon, but could not be present at NCNW on Thursday and as a result, my assignment was to be present at some of the very important sessions in her place. The warmth and welcome that I felt as I met, fellowshipped with, and learned from these powerful women was no less than amazing.

19

“Oh! What a fellowship and what a joy divine at the 93rd Convocation 2023. The theme “Focused on the Future!” was God ordained for the glorious time I had. From the attendees, speakers, workshops, violinist, and yes, the singers in which I was honored to be asked to sing. The occasion was soul-stirring and extremely blessed with the anointing and power of God. When God places his super on our natural, there is so much that’s concealed in our earthly vessels to be revealed.

Well, Sunday kudos go out to Bishop Leah’s timely, awesome, and divine message that set the stage and tone for what was to come (i.e. the laying of the hands on the pastors and others). The laying hands on my forehead were especially touching and strengthened within my spirit. Also, the Bishop’s presentation of the anointed bottles of oil from the holy land was spirit-driven and empowering as I received.

Upon my return to L. A. Congregants (lovely Augusta), I was moved to cultivate a mindset, a zeal, and a passion to inspire the congregants to go forth in their plan and purpose from God. I believe the spirit of the 93rd CONVOCATION exemplified and referenced the theme; “Focused on the Future!” “Our latter will be greater than our past…..The best is still yet to come.“ SELAH! Pastor Fran Pearce

20

Photography by Herbert Daughtry, Jr.

One of the things that struck me was Bishop Leah said " If I want the future God has desired for me then I need to participate in it" My God! I have to stop allowing people's opinions of me to distract me from what God has for me." I know the plans I have for you Vernita, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God sends us confirmation. They may not come the way you expect but they always come. The word the lord gave me for 2023 was Focus! And I would do well some days and other days not so well. Bishop said, " We plant in the present, we tend, we water, and we prune, sometimes we have to prune. " Fight to Focus, God said. Get rid of the baggage that's holding you back. Let some things go. Let some people go. Even if it's family. (Ouch!) The future needs tending, " she said.

So, doing our part is a must. Allow God to show you what it is you should be tending so that it will yield seeds in the future.

This message has made me realize the importance of sitting with God daily and participating in my future. Thank you Bishop for another powerful word!!!

Min Vernita Warfield

13

21

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Photo Credit: Canva

Are you sure?

Register to vote, check your registration, get vote-by-mail info, find your polling place …

Do it all at https://www.vote.org 22

Bishop Leah D. Daughtry had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the world-renowned film The Color Purple. The House of the Lord Church - Bergen County hosted the prescreening at a local movie theater. From Oprah's presence to the Leadership Circle to selling out a local movie theater, members of The House of the Lord Church showed up, showed out, and made their appearance in purple attire for a star-studded experience!

38

Photo Credit: Bishop Leah D. Daughtry

BIBLE PROJECT ONE STORY THAT LEADS TO JESUS

FFrom Genesis to Revelation, we spent the 2023 journeying through the Bible together.

It’s time to be intentional. It’s time to go deeper. In the new year, spend more time meditating on God’s word. Select a verse from the of the day. Let it speak to you. Next, put some action behind it.

Share your reflections on this project; drop us a line at HQ@HOLC.org.

24

Photo Credit: Etsy and Amazon

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO YOU? Photo Credit: Amazon

February 8 Matthew 5:6

February 15 1 Corinthians 16:9

February 9 1 Samuel 1:7

February 16 Psalms 35:17

February 10 Ezra 8:21-23

February 17 2 Peter 3:15

February 11 Ephesians 6:12

February 18 Hebrews 11:17

February 12 Matthew 5:8

February 19 Philemon 1:6

February 13 Romans 8:26-27

February 20 Colossians 4:17

February 14 Psalms 100:4

February 21 Philippians 1:27

February 22 Psalms 148:1-6 February 23 Philippians 1:25 February 24 Ephesians 3:9 February 25 1 Corinthians 9:23 February 26 Proverbs 14:23 February 27 Psalms 119:123 February 28 Psalms 108:1 February 29 John 13:7 25

Every year comes the new year’s resolutions, changing diets, going to the gym, and the “new year new me” motto.

Great expectations come with the new year, but what makes the new year? What makes you new in the new year?

It starts with a new mind, a new heart, and a new spirit.

Here are some tips below to become new spiritually and physically in the new year: Start your morning with prayer.

Read devotionals in the Bible App. Increase your praise, worship, and prayer time.

Join a Bible study.

Sign up for a ministry assignment/task.

Join weekly corporate prayer calls.

Stretch in the morning.

Join a gym.

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet.

Change your diet/Try healthy recipes.

Schedule routine doctor appointments.

6

26

Photo Credit: Canva

STAY IN THE HOUSE

THE TIME IS NOW Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter!

Visit us online

Never miss an issue!

www.holc.org Facebook.com/HOLChurches

Subscribe to our mailing list hq@holc.org.