Issue14

E SU 4 IS o: 1 N

CO G I C - U K

LUTON N E W S L E T T E R website: www.cogic.co.uk

A S S E M B L Y

email: lnews@cogic.co.uk

Nov – Dec 2015

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO IN LUTON

COGIC UK HQ Inside:

Cover Story COGIC UK HQ Knowing You with Deacon Michael Jacobs In Picture Women’s Convention 2015 Plus more

Psalm 27:4 – One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

LNEWS Issue No: 14

A bi-monthly newsletter Copyright © 2015 All material within this publication may not be used in part or whole without permission.

Enquiries should be directed to COGIC UK HQ Address 127 Dunstable Road Luton LU1 1BW Telephone +44 1582 877 070 Website www.cogic.co.uk Email lnews@cogic.co.uk For Newsletter Enquiries, Feedback , Your Articles and Prayer Requests.

General Enquiries office@cogic.co.uk Charity Registration Number: 1061869

IN THE NEXT ISSUE Cover Story Baptism

“Remember to Pray For” Send us your prayer requests and we will place them in this section “Anything to Celebrate” Tell us and we will publish it

You can also get a physical copy of LNEWS at the church. Ask one of the ushers for your copy.

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T

he sermon on the mount in St Matthew 5 is direct teaching into the life of each individual ever created. The seventh verse, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy “ is completely relevant for the hour in which we live. Mercy is in short supply.

Let everything that has breath Praise ye The Lord.

We are praising God with every breath as we are well on our way to the close of 2015.

Time is really not waiting around for anyone..

Autumn is a colourful season and displays God’s handiwork especially for the doubter, the critic, the cynic and the unbeliever.

Issue 14 and still the Glory of God is yet to be revealed.

We were blessed in the last edition to highlight the pivotal role of being a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord. We should never underestimate the important position and the courage it takes to usher whilst placing the life and need of others before our own.

In this issue the cover story is the incredible blessing of the place of worship COGIC UK Headquarters. There is no doubt that God Almighty is mysterious.

We have a great, well anticipated, knowing you profile with an enthusiastic, profound brother, his testimony will speak for itself.

Recipes, birthdays, prayer requests, life changing encouragement and fellowship are within the pages.

Christmas time is very precious and for those of us whose lives have been spared for this year..May praise joy laughter and restoration increase.

God bless each person as we have journeyed smiled grieved and worshipped together.

We are looking forward to 2016, so to every reader, contributor, prayer warrior, by God’s grace meet you in the New Year.

Jesus Christ is the reason for living.

A joyous Christmas and an exciting New Year.

The Editorial Team ©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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WHAT’S ON WATCH NIGHT SERVICE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

3 MOVEMBER 3

SHOE BOX APPEAL

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

4-5

COVER STORY COGIC HQ

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SOME OF THE DISTINGUISHED GUESTS WE HAVE HAD AT THE HQ

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KNOWING YOU DEACON MICHAEL JACOBS

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THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAM LUSH LEAVES - PART 4

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CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES SISTER BARBRA JACOBS

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IN PICTURE WOMEN’S CONVOCATION 2015

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CHURCH NOTICES

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SERVICE INFORMATION

In “Knowing You”

Deacon Michael Jacobs PHOTOGRAPH BY AMII E. BONNER PHOTOGRAPHY ©2015

In Knowing You Deaconess Angela Blackman

WELCOME CONTENTS

Matthew 7 v 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

LNEWS

WHAT’S ON

You’re welcome to our

Christmas Service Friday 25th December 2015 at 11:00am Come and see in the New Year at our

Watch Night Service PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UK.MOVEMBER.COM

Thursday 31st December 2015 at 9:00PM

Movember, supporting men’s health, is here again. Will you be taking part? For further details go to uk.movember.com

MEN, DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET A CHECK UP !

Bring all boxes to our Sunday School department.

Closing date: Wednesday18th November 2015 Get an empty medium sized shoebox, wrapping the lid and box separately in colourful wrapping paper. Attach the appropriate boy/girl label, marking if your gift is for a boy or a girl. Select an age category 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 and attach the label to the top of your shoebox. – Quote from www.samaritans-purse.org.uk All items should be new. Please include items from each category Toys - Something to love

Educational Supplies Something to do

Hygiene Items Something to use

Other item - Something to eat or wear

Bears , Soft toys, Tennis ball, Finger puppets, Jigsaws, Yo-yo, Building Blocks, Small musical instruments, Truck and cars (for boys), Dolls (for girls), Clip on earrings, Make up, Hair accessories.

Felt Pens, Pens, Pencils, Pencil sharpener, Rubber, Colouring book, Notepad, Picture/Puzzle book, Chalk, Pencil case, Stickers.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hairbrush, Comb, Hair clips, Bar of wrapped soap, Flannel

Sweets (sell by date to be at least March following year), Gloves, Scarf, Sunglasses, Cap, Hat, Bangles, Necklaces.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Macmillan (Cancer Support) Prayer Breakfast raised £180.60p. Bless you.

• Calvary Theological College, an auxiliary of the COGIC UK are going to start having classes in Eschatology and Evangelism right here in Luton - Contact the COGIC UK HQ office for further details.

• Remember when you go shopping to take your plastic bags with you otherwise you will have to pay 5p for a new one.

LNEWS

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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COVER STORY COGIC HQ

C

ourage, faith, determination, strength, focus, an open spirit and blocked ears are only a few adjectives which can best describe any individual who is intent on pursuing their dream. It is a befitting way to describe Bishop Alvin Blake in his Godly endeavours in the purchase of the now COGIC UK Headquarters situated in 127 Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 1BW

An open spirit is one we could all have more of, open to the move of God and blocked ears, blocked to the naysayers! More often than not the WILL of God is never usually ours. God’s thoughts and ways are beyond each of us, (Isaiah 55 v 9) yet obedience, as the word of the Lord so clearly teaches us is far better than sacrifice.

The COGIC Headquarters was once an Odeon theatre established in October 1938. The architect that designed the building was Keith P Roberts who at the time worked for the Andrew Mather Practice. The Odeon was converted into a triple screen cinema in November 1974 and closed in June 1983 but only for a very short time.

The building was then converted into a Top Rank Bingo Club and reopened in July 1983. The bingo club was in operation until late January 1999 when it was finally closed.

The building was given a Grade II listed building consent by English Heritage in March 1999. One of the main reasons why the building is listed is because it remains one of the last designs of Keith P Roberts that is still in existence coupled with the intricate design.

The building remained unoccupied until the year 2001.

The Lord blessed the Calvary Church of God in Christ UK to purchase the

building in 2000, and to convert it into a place of worship. It is currently the largest place of worship in Luton, Bedfordshire. The official opening of the building was the 9th February 2001.

An anticipated time, in which there were many dignitaries and church leaders from around the country who were in attendance to witness the blessing of such a place of worship, many members past and present were reunited for this historic, memorable moment.

The excitement of this church building allowed Bishop Blake to hit the ground running, a true testament to his character. In May and June of 2001 the church hosted J John and his internationally renowned teaching of the ten commandments, lovingly known as “just10”. We witnessed the building at full capacity with every seat in use. Hearts of true and stirring worship.

Everyone in attendance, worshipped, sang, laughed, cried, were moved by life changing testimonies and prayed sincerely for each other. The ten nights were full not just with people but with so much love and unity, it truly was a joy to behold and be a part of. “Just10” was thoroughly enjoyable and is truly etched in the memory of each person that gathered. The unity shared allows COGIC HQ to currently host the annual Churches Together in Luton held on Pentecost Sunday.

In August of 2001, the very first wedding ceremony was conducted in the newly bought church, there was simply not a moment wasted. God is the great promise and covenant keeper “Behold I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43 v 19) In 2003 the church was blessed to present “Shaking The House”. A gospel

Before the refurbishment - May 2011

During the refurbishment - July 2011 - The work was undertaken by Richmond, Church Auditoria and Fit-out

Paul Stewart - Richmond Church Auditoria and Fit-out

The re-opening - August 2011 4

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LNEWS

concert featuring COGIC’s finest, along with many other gospel singers and musicians in the UK. Our guest artiste being Lester Lewis from the island of Jamaica, brought a stirring, anointed, blessed time enjoyed by all. A shout of many voices in unified praise unto God is incomparable.

In 2006 the church hosted and ran “Gospel Glory” a brilliant play written by Denise Wisdom, who grew up in the COGIC church. The play depicted the life and times of gospel in music, past and present. The actors and participants came from all walks of life and from every section of the community. The church building was yet again full to capacity, with no seat left unoccupied. Unfortunately many people were turned away because there was simply no more room, such was the success of the production. All praise and honour due to God Almighty.

This place of worship has now been in Luton for 15 years, in that time the building has undergone extensive refurbishment, particularly in recent years.

There was a re-opening in 2011 and the church hosted Canon Nick Bell from St Mary’s Church in Luton as the main speaker for the evening.

The Church has been blessed over the past years with a vast array of distinguished visitors and friends sharing worship, hosting seminars, concerts etc. The roster includes Bishop Charles Blake (Presiding Bishop of COGIC International) Lester Lewis (Jamaica), Dorinda Clarke Cole (USA), Nigel Benn (Former UK Boxer) Bishop Ernestine Reems (USA) to name a few.

In April 2012 a joint concert held at the COGIC Headquarters featured the famed, London Welsh Male Voice Choir along with COGIC Luton Assembly Church choir. The evening was full of vibrant and pristine singing, no heart

was disappointed, a truly warm and blessed night. The concert raised funds for the building and for Keech Hospice who continue to do a great job in medical and end of life care. Bishop Blake presented the Hospice with the monetary gift.

Fifteen years and counting, in that time the world has witnessed much victory and seen many atrocities. Ecclesiastes 3 speaks clearly that there is a time for every purpose under the heaven. A time to break down and a time to build up.

We honour God Almighty for the blessing of the time spent so far, we can only glorify and thank God for an obedient heart. It is awe-inspiring to witness and observe obedience to God and its rewards. Let us all be mindful that disobedience to God also has its rewards.

May each of us as we read and digest these few words and look back over the past years, and remember “the beauty of the building is the church that gathers therein.” — Quote: Barbra A Jacobs ©2015 “Except the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain, that build it” (Psalm 127 v 1) Whatever God has ordained only HE can undo it.

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it! because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2 v 3) The years ahead are with God, in his infinite wisdom.

God bless Bishop Alvin Blake.

By Sister Barbra Jacobs

SOME OF THE DISTINGUISHED GUESTS WE HAVE HAD AT THE HQ

Denise Wisdom Writer of Gospel Glory - April 2006

Presiding Bishop Charles - Blake COGIC USA General Convention - August 2009

Jacky Clark Chisholm & Dorinda Clark-Cole Women’s Convention - October 2010

J.John (Revd Canon) Christmas Carol Service - December 2010

Canon Nick Bell - St Mary’s Church in Luton HQ Reopening Service - August 2011

Bishops John Francis - Ruach City Church Brixton UK HQ Reopening Service -August 2011

London Welsh Male Voice Choir & COGIC Luton Choir Keech Hospice Care & building fund concert - April 2012

Ernie Almond - BBC Three Counties Radio Keech Hospice Care & building fund concert - April 2012

An evening with Nigel & Karen Benn July 2012

Voices with Soul At an evening with Nigel Benn - July 2012

Bishop Brandon B. Porter - COGIC USA General Convention - August 2012

Mother Willie Mae Rivers - COGIC USA Women’s Convention - October 2014

LNEWS

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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PHOTOGRAPH BY AMII E. BONNER PHOTOGRAPHY ©2015

KNOWING YOU DEACON MICHAEL JACOBS LNEWS: Describe your conversion briefly.

DMJ: The short of it is that I met a young lady I really liked and chased after her, she invited me to church and I got saved. Before you ask she isn’t the lady I married. God had someone special for me.

LNEWS: How long have you been a Christian?

DMJ: Just over 31 years. Wow! Never a dull day.

LNEWS: Are you married?

DMJ: Oh yes. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, who looks after me very well. She is truly a virtuous woman, but don’t tell her that.

LNEWS: Is your family involved in church life?

DMJ: Yes, my wife is one of the stalwarts of the church and my daughter was born with church life in her.

LNEWS: What is your role in the Church Community?

DMJ: I wear three hats, Deacon, usher and editor of this newsletter.

LNEWS: What does serving God mean to you?

DMJ: Everything. I am glad that God saved me. Not only is he my God but my friend, my advisor, my lawyer, my doctor.

As I said everything. He is better than a Swiss Army Knife.

LNEWS: What do you enjoy the most about photography?

DMJ: I believe everyone has a gift and they should exercise the gift that God has given them. I enjoy looking back at photos I have taken and saying wow! I did that. I was always envious of other peoples gifting until I found mine.

Its definitely a God given gift and I count myself as a photo evangelist. I am planning to build a website so that others can see my work.

LNEWS: When did you begin photography?

DMJ: When I was a nipper my mother bought me a Kodak™ 56x Instamatic film camera for Christmas. Most of the photographs taken on it were of my mum posing in her different outfits. I enjoyed that so much that years later I ordered my first SLR camera from Freemans™ catalogue, now I am showing my age. I paid for it on a weekly basis. I still have my first camera, thanks mum for starting me off.

LNEWS: Tell us an amusing moment in photography that you can recall?

DMJ: I was asked to take photos of a church sister’s grandchildren. I got to the sister’s house and got my camera out and started taking photos. I had them pose this way and that way, man I was on a roll. After a while I looked at the back of the camera I had forgot to load the film, yes, I was in the days of film with 36 exposures. It wasn’t funny at the time but looking back on it I can laugh now. I had to admit it to the sister straight away and I never repeated that oversight again. I am glad for the digital age.

LNEWS: What has been your most challenging life trial?

DMJ: That’s when my wife went into hospital to have our daughter. A few days after the birth I visited my wife in hospital. They were both doing well. I left her and went home. As I slept that night I am sure I heard the phone ringing but I thought it was a dream and went back to sleep. Next thing I heard was a knocking at the door and ringing of the bell repeatedly. Again I thought I was

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dreaming but I wasn’t. Considering it was about 4 or 5am, I went to the door to find two police officers. They told me that the hospital had tried to contact me because my wife had collapsed. I got myself ready and hurried off to the hospital where I was met by a nurse. Before I was taken to see my wife I was advised by the nurse that I shouldn’t be alarmed by all the wires that were attached to my wife.

She told me that my wife had a cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated. Just a moment before I walked in God’s spirit spoke to me and said “She is fine”. From that message I knew not to worry. When I got in the room it was as the nurse said. My wife had been sedated. I could have and should have panicked but because God had spoken to me I kept calm. That day my wife was transferred to the intensive care unit and my daughter was placed in the neonatal unit, they were both at opposite sides of the hospital. My daily visit was first to see my wife then to see my daughter. It was a good walk away. Nine years later, thank God I have my wife and my daughter with me. I could have been a widower. My only complaint is that they are so cheeky to me. Please pray my strength.

LNEWS: We know you love to travel, tell us about a few of your exciting journeys.

DMJ: Oh gosh! Outside the usual places like the Caribbean, Canada and USA, I have travelled to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Kenya. I have also visited Russia, Belgium and Finland for work purposes.

LNEWS: What is your most exciting trip you have made?

DMJ: Wow! Let me think. Going to South Africa tops them all that I have been to. Seeing the famous Table Mountain as you exit the airport, going to the townships (on an organised tour) and seeing the way people cope with very little, the District Six Museum, and most of all going to Robben Island where Nelson Mandella was incarcerated.

The prison tour is performed by ex-prisoners. I have been to South Africa three times and each time I have visited Robben Island and every time I go at least one of the tourists ends up in tears. I would recommend South Africa

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

to anyone. If you do go hire a car, it’s a much better to get around.

LNEWS: What is your life’s profession?

DMJ: IT Consultant. And no I am not going to fix your computer! Nearly every time I answer this question, the person asking reels off their computer issues lol.

LNEWS: Tell us an amusing ministry moment.

DMJ: Oh yes. I was a member of a church youth choir. The church was having it’s local meeting. The choir was called to sing a song, which we did to an eruption of applause from the congregation.

Someone in their infinite wisdom requested us to sing another song.

After it was announced we all looked at each other trying to decide what song to sing. Someone chose a song that we hadn’t practiced that well. Let’s put it this way, we went up there started the song and finished it mumbling.

We didn’t know the words, how embarrassing.

LNEWS: What is your leisure of choice?

DMJ: IT stuff, photography, graphics and swimming, I absolutely love swimming. I also have a new leisure and that’s boxing. Yes actual boxing and not just watching it on TV. LNEWS: Which role do you enjoy the most in church life?

DMJ: Can I mention two? Ushering and photography. And don’t tell Mother Merna but catering at church conventions as well.

LNEWS: Describe yourself in three words.

DMJ: Opinionated, Passionate, Creative and Trouble. Oh did you say four words?

LNEWS: Share with us a great proverb/saying by which you live.

DMJ: Nothing before its time.

LNEWS: Please share with the readership a word of encouragement..

DMJ: You can’t do better than trust in the Lord God. Put your whole heart in him and you will never regret it.

LNEWS: On a scale of 1-10 how did you enjoy this interview?

Here are the 10 ratings: 1. Once and once only 2. Phew! Made it…

3. I am glad its over, I don’t like questions.

4. Wouldn’t do this in person.

5. Very interesting look at my life.

6. I did as best as I could.

7. I am shy and overwhelmed.

8. I am incredibly shy but don’t mind.

9. I love it, wouldn’t do it again though (not for a long time).

10. I love it, would do it again.

DMJ 10 A very touching and profound interview

LNEWS

THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAM

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAM

LUSH LEAVES - PART 4

St Mark 11:17

Jesus taught the people saying “is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves”.

F

inally, we considered last time how important it was that the fig tree was dried up from the roots. Jesus showed great concern that the purpose for the temple was not being fulfilled. Prayer. It’s important as worshippers to understand that the temple of God is not mainly for singing - that is so important because we really enjoy singing, but Jesus said that all nations should refer to His house as one of prayer, not music! At the death of Jesus the temple veil was torn in two - “there shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust” Romans 15:12 As worshippers we are His temple and therefore the most important thing for us is to engage in prayer. Prayer builds

relationship and intimacy with God. Jesus spoke in terms of abiding in Him, we do this through

prayer. Songs are great but the song of itself is not enough. As worshippers we must pray.

Prayer will help strengthen our faith

in God so that when we speak to the mountains in our lives they respond and move. The mountain of the flesh is set out for us in Galatians 5:19-21 - adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings AND SUCH LIKE! The old fig tree with its established roots is gone and in its place the true vine can now grow. The Blessed Lord has ridden into town and the fruit of the Spirit is - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance - to which there is no limit. We pray that you have been blessed.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES SISTER BARBRA JACOBS INGREDIENTS 112g butter (preferably Stork) 112g Plain white flour 55g Unrefined golden caster sugar Heaped tablespoon of cocoa powder Milk chocolate chips METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180c (gas mark 4) 2.

Place a layer of baking paper on a baking tray.

3.

Cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light fluffy

4.

Sieve the flour and cocoa powder together and mix into sugar and butter

5.

Divide the mixture into approx 14 balls, place them on the tray with plenty of room between each. Press to cookie shape and place chocolate chips in each

6.

Bake for 8-12 minutes

Makes approximately 14 cookies.

Delicious whilst hot.. Optional to cool and eat!

IN PICTURE WOMEN’S CONVOCATION 2015

Remember to Pray For Prayer changes things so please remember to pray for those on the list below.

The LNEWS team always need your prayers.

Bro. Barry Morrison Sis. Whittaker Sis. Gardener Bro. Trotman Deacon Hunter Sis. Buchanan Sis. Jenny Wilson Derek Spalding Bro. Joseph Toro Jacobson Pauline Segbefia/Easy family Sister Bailey and Family Provide us with your prayer requests and we will publish it for you. You don’t have to give the full details just a name will do.

Anything to Celebrate Birthdays November Sis. Annette Chard-Patrick Sis. Merla Wright Sis. Lynnis Abbey Sis. Barbra Jacobs Sis. Ann Marie Stewart Sis. Maureen Stephens Sis. Shirley Myers Elder Everton Blake Evangelist Nova Wilson Sis. Sandra Palmer Deaconess Angela Blackman Sis. Denise Kerr Sis. Patricia Young Sis. Pauline Young Sis. Marcia Morrison

2nd 4th 5th 7th 7th 9th 17th 18th 19th 25th 27th 28th 29th 29th 30th

December Bro. Michael Jarvis Bro. Barry Morrison Missionary Minnette Quinton Bro. Colin Payne Bro. Dorrell Thompson

9th 10th 21st 21st 28th

Just a thought Faith in God works LNEWS

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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CHURCH NOTICES Local Meetings:

Start

Friday 13th November 2015

Men’s Fellowship

8:00pm

Friday 13th November 2015

Women’s Fellowship - Pudding & Pamper Evening

8:00pm

Sunday 22nd November 2015

Cultural Evening

6:00pm

Friday 27th November 2015

Men’s Fellowship

8:00pm

Friday 11h December 2015

Men’s Fellowship

8:00pm

Friday 11th December 2015

Women’s Fellowship - Christmas Dinner

8:00pm

Sunday 20th December 2015

Sunday School Christmas Service

6:00pm

Friday 25th December 2015

Christmas Day Service

11:00am

Thursday 31st December 2015

New Years Eve Service

9:00pm

National Meetings:

SERVICE INFORMATION Service Times

Start

Finish

Prayer Meeting (Every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month)

7:00am

8:00am

Sunday School

10:00am

10:50am

Morning Service

11:00am

1:00pm

New Believers & Discipleship Classes

5:00pm

6:00pm

Evening Service

6:00pm

8:00pm

Wednesdays

Prayer Meeting & Bible Studies

8:00pm

9:30pm

Thursdays

Prayer & Fasting

11:00am

1:00pm

Fridays

Youth Meeting

8:00pm

9:30pm

Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month)

8:00pm

9:30pm

Women’s Fellowship (Every 2nd Friday of the Month)

8:00pm

9:30pm

Sundays

Which Sunday is Which First Sunday

Communion Sunday

Second Sunday

Sisters’ Sunday

Third Sunday Fourth Sunday

Pastor’s and Elders’ Sunday

Fifth Sunday

Youth Sunday

All the above services/meetings are subject to change - See church secretary for further details

Deacons’ Sunday