Holy greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! With pleasure, expectation and joy we welcome you to the 55th Holy Convocation of the United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic). My wife and I are looking forward to our virtual and limited in-person gathering. Our theme is “The You in Christ and the Christ in You…Discovering Spiritual Identity and Purpose.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 New King James Version (NKJV) “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [“…behold the new has come.” ESV] Philippians 2:13 Amplified Bible (AMP) “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” We are faced with many challenges as people of faith commissioned to advance the Gospel to a world deeply divided and troubled. The impact of environmental/climate change is a scientifically proven fact and is evidenced with every emerging storm and every glacier meltdown. Disruption is impacting world systems; governments as well as social and religious paradigms that are experiencing the effects of ideological shifts. It is imperative that people of faith recapture the principle element that moves the message and purpose of God for the Church and the many beyond of the walls of the Church who he has also called. The “body of Christ” is rendered anemic when we fail to sufficiently equip all of its members for the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:12-16) Through this pandemic we have seen more than ever the need for each of us to engage in the important work of ministry within and beyond the walls of sanctuaries. We have been challenged to encourage the many of our churches and communities not just spiritually but substantively with life essentials to sustain our mental and physical well-being. Our prayer is that God refreshes and inspires you during this Convocation to know the purpose for which he has chosen you as an extension of His presence and grace in the community for His glory! Serving Christ and His People, Bishop Monroe and Lady Winsome Saunders
WELCOME TO THE 55TH ANNUAL CONVOCATION Theme: The You in Christ and Christ in You... Discovering Spiritual Identity and Purpose Sub theme: Christ Centered, People Focused... Greetings Beloved, With a cheerful heart I welcome the saints to the 55th annual convocation. “Hitherto has the Lord helped us”. The number 5 represents God’s grace, goodness, favor and perfection. Therefore, number 55 symbolizes the intensity of the grace that God has for all His creation. It is God’s grace and mercy that has kept us and comforted us. Let us walk true to our calling as followers of Jesus Christ. As we continue to grow and to mature spiritually, I admonish each of you to stand firm in the faith and strive to have the same mind and attitude of Jesus. Remembering our aim is to be like Jesus, to love like Jesus, and to be the light people need in today’s world. As we gather virtually from the north, south, east and west, let us come humbly with a heart full of thanksgiving. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you all of His blessings, and great peace of heart, and mind. Peace and Blessing, Elect Lady Alberta Brockington Saunders
August 16, 2021, Greetings Women of Royalty, Brethren and Young People, Welcome to our 55th International Convocation. What a pleasure to greet you again in the Name of the Lord! Truly He has been gracious and kind towards us during the past challenging months. We can rejoice because He is greater than any pandemic that threatens us. Our theme for this Convocation, The You in Christ & the Christ in You: Rediscovering Spiritual Identity and Purpose is timely for this season. We will explore our theme during our noonday PowerUp sessions and evening worship services. What a time to be in the Kingdom for such a time as this, to fulfill our God given purpose and make an impact felt in the earth! He has given us what the world needs, our love and compassion in Christ. What a great opportunity to be salt. As we gather for Holy Convocation, I am believing that each of you will be refreshed and renewed to continue the work of the Lord in your respective communities. I look forward to seeing you virtually. Welcome again WOR, enjoy Convocation 2021. Yours in Service, Elder Leslie E. Hudson ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Greetings International Brotherhood, I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It has been a long and tedious journey but we can all thank God that we are still here and still alive. God told Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This has been our motto and privilege to carry this commandment over and through this pandemic. We must always remember that the Lord OUR God will be with us wherever we go. I am truly excited and committed to leading our brethren through this next level of God’s great blessings in the lives of our churches and brothers. James 1:2-3 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” It is this perseverance that will cause each of us to be overcomers and victorious in Jesus Christ! As always, please continue to pray for each other and support one another through our monthly Men’s Prayer Line and tune in weekly on Monday evenings for the BAD Man Show! Peace and blessings, Pastor Rodney Lewis II
Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is a privilege to welcome the young people of the United Body to another convocation. Since we have last gathered there have been a lot of changes in the world, but God’s grace is sufficient and has allowed us to come together one more time! As we transition within our leadership, I want to let you know that our vision is to INVEST, IGNITE, and INSPIRE the young people of the United Church. God has given me a goal t o create a foundation of Christian principles while showing the love of Christ. Our Presiding Bishop has given us a theme this year that challenges our thinking and our actions. The You in Christ and the Christ in You...” Discovering Spiritual Identity and Purpose”. His reflections stated, “It is imperative that people of faith recapture the principle element that moves the message and purpose of God for the Church…” to this regard, it is my mission to ensure this next generation will be Empowered, Equipped, & Embraced! Grace and peace be unto you! Minister Jarrod Allen -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Praise the Lord everyone! Giving honor to our Presiding Bishop and International First Lady, Bishop Monroe and Lady Winsome Saunders, our Young Adult Bishop and his wife, Bishop Donald and Lady Druscilla Williams, the board of bishops and their spouses, the matriarch of our organization, Mother Alberta Saunders, all saints and friends. Welcome to the 55th International Holy Convocation! It is such an honor and privilege to extend greetings to you as the International Young Adult Department (Coffeehouse) president. I also want to extend a special greeting to all the young adults within the United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) who continue to be dedicated and faithful members of our various local assemblies. Your impact especially during the pandemic did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I believe you are a big part of the reason why so many of our churches were able to adapt to the virtual arena of church. This year’s Convocation theme is both extremely powerful and thought provoking. As I thought about this year’s theme, “The You in Christ and the Christ in You”, the thought that came to me was the necessity of allowing God to be displayed in your individuality. When God created all of us, he made us unique both in thought and deed and that uniqueness must be embraced and brought together to complete the collective work of the great commission. As we continue to work together in ministry, it is imperative that we not only display our own uniqueness, but also allow God’s anointing to enhance it. I pray that as we leave Convocation this year and continue to work in our local church that we embrace all the unique giftings and talents within our local assemblies and use that to transform our communities for Christ. God Bless, Minister Sean Gore
CONVOCATION SCHEDULE Tuesday 8/17
Evening Service Prelude | 5:30 PM (Featuring interviews with all of the newly vested bishops and an official welcome to Convocation 2021) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website) Intercessory Prayer | 6:40 PM (605) 468-8010 Access code - 502566 Evening Service | 7:00 PM (Investiture Service for Bishop Kenneth W. S. Claxton, Bishop Ann Teresse Newell Dockery, Bishop Betty J. Gregg, Bishop Vivian S. Grubb, Bishop Granville A. Senior, Bishop Ivan G. Watson) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website)
Wednesday 8/18
State of the Church | 12:00 PM (Sharing from the heart of our Presiding Bishop, Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Jr., concerning the state of the United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) and the church worldwide) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website) Evening Service Prelude | 5:30 PM (Rebroadcasting of state of the church and special interviews) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website) Intercessory Prayer | 6:40 PM (605) 468-8010 Access code - 502566 Evening Service | 7:00 PM (Exhorter - Elder Donald Eaddy, Evening Speaker - Bishop Lewis L. Stokes Sr., Vice Presiding Bishop) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website)
Thursday 8/19
Power Ups | 12:00 PM (Words of inspiration and encouragement sponsored by each of the UCJC International Departments) (UCJC Women of Royalty (WOR) Facebook group, UCJC International Brotherhood Facebook page, UCJC Young Adult CoffeeHouse Facebook page, UCJC Youth Department Facebook page) Evening Service Prelude | 5:30 PM (Rebroadcasting of Power Ups and special interviews) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC 1YouTube page, UCJC website) Intercessory Prayer | 6:40 pm (605) 468-8010 Access code - 502566 Evening Service | 7:00 PM (Exhorter - Pastor Deborah Burrus, Evening Speaker - Overseer Simone Gibson) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website)
Friday 8/20
Power Ups | 12:00 PM (Words of inspiration and encouragement sponsored by each of the UCJC International Departments) (UCJC Women of Royalty (WOR) Facebook group, UCJC International Brotherhood Facebook page, UCJC Young Adult CoffeeHouse Facebook page, UCJC Youth Department Facebook page) Evening Service Prelude | 5:30 PM (Rebroadcasting of Power Ups and special interviews) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC 1YouTube page, UCJC website) Intercessory Prayer | 6:40 PM (605) 468-8010 Access code - 502566 Evening Service | 7:00 PM (Exhorter - Bishop Peter Edmund, Evening Speaker - Bishop Monroe R. Saunders Jr., Presiding Bishop) (UCJC Facebook page, UCJC YouTube page, UCJC website)
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 | 7:00 PM Sacred Service of Investiture
Praise & Worship Processional Bishop John Lewis Clinton, Maryland
Invocation Scripture Reading
Bishop Donald Williams Martinsville, Virginia
Sermonic Selection
Praise & Worship Team Bishop Cleven Jones Detroit, Michigan
The Charge Investiture Service
Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr., D.Min. Baltimore, Maryland ***Seed Planting*** Bishop Lewis Stokes Hampton, Virginia
Closing Remarks & Benediction
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 7:00 PM Evening Worship Service
Exhortation/Invocation Praise & Worship
Elder Donald Eaddy Baltimore, Maryland Praise & Worship Team
Greetings from the International Brotherhood & Young Adult Departments Pastor Rodney Lewis Clinton, Maryland Minister Sean Gore Baltimore, Maryland
Greetings from the Board of Bishops Bishop Vivian Grubb Acting Diocesan – 3rd Episcopal Brooklyn, New York *** Seed Planting*** Bishop Paul Brown Neptune, New Jersey Introduction of Speaker
Sermonic Selection The Spoken Word Congregational Response Closing Remarks & Benediction
Elder Donald Eaddy Bishop Lewis Stokes, D.D. Hampton, Virginia
Thurday, August 19, 2021 | 7:00 PM Evening Worship Service
Exhortation/Invocation
Pastor Deborah Burrus Baltimore, Maryland
Praise & Worship
Praise & Worship Team Elder Leslie Hudson Baltimore, Maryland
Greetings from the Women of Royalty & Youth Departments
Minister Jarrod Allen Norfolk, Virginia
Greetings from the Board of Bishops
Bishop Robert Johnson Baltimore, Maryland
*** Seed Planting*** Bishop Betty Gregg Browns Mills, New Jersey Introduction of Speaker
Sermonic Selection
Pastor Deborah Burrus
The Spoken Word Overseer Simone Gibson, D.Min. Finksburg, Maryland Congregational Response Closing Remarks & Benediction
Friday, August 20, 2021 | 7:00 PM Evening Worship Service
Exhortation/Invocation
Bishop Peter Edmund Bowie, Maryland
Praise & Worship
Praise & Worship Team
Greetings from the Board of Bishops
Bishop Lewis Payne Diocesan – 1st Episcopal Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
*** Seed Planting*** Bishop Peter Edmund Bowie, Maryland
Introduction of Speaker
Sermonic Selection
Bishop Peter Edmund
The Spoken Word Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr., D.Min. Baltimore, Maryland Congregational Response Closing Remarks & Benediction
Bishop Lewis Stokes, DD Bishop Lewis L. Stokes is a native of Hampton, Virginia where he graduated from George P.Phenix High School excelling in the school’s football program. He was nurtured in the Lord at United Bibleway Temple, Newport News, VA, where his father, the late Elder Linwood Stokes was Pastor. Upon graduation from high school, Bishop Stokes attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk,VA, later enlisting in the United States Army where he served for three years. Upon discharge, he returned home and was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding where he served for 36 years advancing to Supervisor of Network Field Engineers. He served as a Police Chaplain for the City of Suffolk, VA for 13.5 years. Bishop Stokes later attended Christopher Newport University and holds Certificates of Theology from Virginia Seminary and College and Southern Baptist Seminary, a Bachelor of Theology from Union Christian Bible Institute, Portsmouth, VA campus, and a Doctorate of Divinity from International Bible Institute, St. Louis MO, which later became International Bible College and Seminary, DeSoto, MO. Bishop Stokes formerly served as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Windsor VA and served as Senior Administrator and Ministerial Associate Faith Temple Ministries (Apostolic), Suffolk, VA. He is the former President of Faith Temple Bible Institute, Suffolk, VA. In 1996, Bishop Stokes was consecrated to the office of Bishop and served as General Secretary to the Board of Bishops, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) and Bishop of the National Men’s Department. He currently serves as Diocesan Bishop for the 4th Episcopal Diocese . In May 2005, Bishop Stokes returned to his native Hampton, VA and launched United Family Worship Center under the theme “Where Transformation is Perpetual”. In July of that same year, he was elevated to 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop, UCJC (Apostolic). In March 2008, he was awarded the Distinguished Executive Leadership Award by the Pastor and Church Leadership Summit, LLC, Myrtle Beach, S.C. In July 2010, he launched United Family Worship Center - Suffolk, VA, a healing and reconciliation ministry which later merged with the Hampton, VA church. In June 2011 he was elevated to Vice Presiding Bishop, United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic). In April 2016, he was honored by Phenix High School Alumni Class of ‘67 for his 40+ years of service to the ministry. He is the author of the book What Constitutes a Dead Church ? Bishop Stokes is married to Elder Brenda M. Stokes and they are the beautifully blended parents of 9 children (one deceased) 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Overseer Simone P. Gibson, D. Min. Dr. Simone Gibson was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica, West Indies. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior while watching a television broadcast in Jamaica and rededicated her life to the Lord and was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Spirit during her junior year in college. Believing in the importance of higher education and with the support of her family, Dr. Gibson has furthered her education. She has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), a Master’s Degree in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola College in Baltimore and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio with concentration in Preaching and Leadership. Dr. Gibson has served for over 24 years at the Transformation Church of Jesus Christ first as the Executive Administrator. Her assignment now is to serve as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr., D.Min., (Pastor of Transformation Church and Presiding Prelate of the United Church of Jesus Christ). An ordained elder in the United Church of Jesus Christ, Dr. Gibson was elevated to Overseer in October 2016. She has been a faithful member of the Transformation Church as well as the United Church of Jesus Christ serving in a variety of ministries over the years. Dr. Gibson is also civic minded serving in various capacities in the community over the years. She is featured monthly on WEAA 88.9 FM in a segment called GracePoint during Instruments of Praise. She is blessed to have ministered in Canada, throughout the United States and the Caribbean. In January 2020, Dr. Gibson accepted by faith the call of God to pastor and has established Eagle Restoration Ministries in Finksburg, Maryland in January 2020. Dr. Gibson has been blessed to be married to Elder Daniel Gibson for over 26 years. Her greatest desire is “to shew forth the praises of Him who hath called her out of darkness into His marvelous light”, to reveal God’s glory in all that she says and do and to be a blessing to His people”.
Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr., D.Min. Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr. a native of Baltimore, Maryland, furthered his formal educational pursuits at Morgan State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Social Welfare and later received a Masters Degree from Howard University in Religion & Education and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Bishop Saunders has held two prior pastorates; First United Church of Jesus Christ in Detroit, Michigan and the Capitol Hill United Church of Jesus Christ in Washington DC. Currently he pastors the Transformation Ministries of the United Church of Jesus Christ, Baltimore, Maryland, a ministry founded by his father the late Bishop Monroe Saunders, Sr., D.Min. as the First United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) in 1965. Among his many accomplishments and responsibilities Bishop Saunders serves as: • Presiding Prelate of the United Church of Jesus Christ. • President of the Center for More Abundant Life which encompasses two Section 8 housing projects for the disabled and elderly Bishop Saunders is also very civic minded and strives to be active in community affairs. He is the author of three books, A Journey to Faith Barren with a Promise, a book written to encourage those who are going through barren moments in their lives to build their faith, because out of barrenness, the seed of promise can break forth and A Journey to Transformation, Seeing the World Through a Different Lens. His recent publication released in June 2019 is Unbearable Truth Spirituality and Ministry in the 21st Century. He was also featured in the Fall 2009 issue of “The African American Pulpit”, a quarterly journal that serves as a repository for the very best of African American preaching. All of his accomplishments and responsibilities are too numerous to mention here but one can see he is dedicated and committed to all that the Lord gives him to do. As the eldest son of one of the country’s most prominent Apostolic ministers, his call to the ministry at the age of 17 was neither unexpected nor unwelcomed. From 1980 until December 1992, Bishop Saunders, Jr. served as Executive Pastor of the First United Church and in March of 1993 he was officially installed as Pastor. Since becoming Pastor, Bishop Saunders, Jr. has strived to teach and preach the recovering of lost souls for the kingdom of God, and the equipping of saints for the work of the ministry. Pastor Saunders senses the urgency for unity in the body of Christ and the need for transformative spiritual development. He is endeavoring to move as the Spirit of the Lord directs him to enable their fulfillment. The Spirit of God’s anointing is felt by those around the world who are touched by his outstanding preaching and teaching ministry. His wife, Lady Winsome R. Saunders, and his family make the love and joy of his life complete. The Transformation Church is blessed to have as Pastor, Bishop Monroe Saunders, Jr., a visionary and leader of spiritual transformation during this critical time in our history.
Congratulations! United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) From: New Jerusalem Praise Tabernacle 2300-12 Annapolis Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Overseer Jacqueline Faye Saunders Johnson, Pastor Bishop Robert E. Johnson, Sr.
Pastor & Lady Lorick
FOR MORE INFO VISIT US AT REHOBOTHUNITED.ORG OR FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @REHOBOTHUNITED! (803)255-6201• 3420 N BELTLINE BLVD • COLUMBIA, SC 29204
Congratulations
Bishop Ann T. Newell-Dockery On your elevation and consecration as a
Bishop in the Lord’s Church!! We pray God’s blessings as you flourish in the Ministry, the Work and Calling God has placed on your life!!
The Soul Harvest Church Family