70th National Usher Convention Journal

The National Association of the Chu urch of God Ushers Offic

Marie Freeman Vice-President - KS

Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson Treasurer - NC

Gloria Dillard Assistant Treasurer - MI

Patricia Howard Registrar - SC

Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin President - PA

Mary Y. Simmons Secretary - OH

Rev. Sheila Granger Spiritual Resource Coordinator - MI

Esther Deans Advisor - IN

Donna Ravenell Convention Mgr. / Advisor - SC

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness”. Psalm 84:10

Greetings

Rev. Dr. Arnetta Bailey

Chief Operating and Development Officer

Congratulations National Association of the Church of God Ushers for 70 years of faithful service.

Your theme Serving With a Divine Purpose is fitting to the continuous way you support and undergird the work of NACOG. For seventy years, the Ushers have stood as faithful servants at the doors of the Lord’s house, welcoming worshippers with grace, order, humility, and love. Your ministry has been a vital part of the worship experience, helping to create an atmosphere of reverence, hospitality, and spiritual readiness for all who enter.

We commend the officers and members for your commitment to excellence, your devotion to Christian service, and your willingness to serve with gladness. Your labor has not gone unnoticed, and your continued work strengthens the Church and blesses the people of God. As you gather for this 70th Convention, may this celebration be filled with reflection, fellowship, renewal, and inspiration for the years ahead. May God continue to bless the National Ushers with unity, wisdom, growth, and favor.

Congratulations on this historic occasion. May your service continue to shine as a light of faith, order, and love in the House of God. Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dr. Arnetta Bailey

70th National Ushers Convention Program “Serving with a Divine Purpose” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Thursday - May 14, 2026 Registration / Meet & Greet Social……………………………..……....…….…………...….5:00PM – 6:45PM OPENING SERVICE - 7:00PM Chairperson………………………………..……………...……………..….….…………..Sis. Marie Freeman, KS

NACOGU Vice-President

PRAISE & WORSHIP…………………..………………..…………….…….…….......Rev. Reginald Alford, SC The Southeastern Association of the Church of God, Chairman / Worship Team

Invocation……………………….…………….…….…….…….…………..…Rev. Ruthie Williams, Vice-Chair

South Carolina State Presbytery of the Church of God

Welcome…….……………………………………….……………..…………..……....……....……...Sis. Marie Irick

SC State Ushers’ President

Greetings……..………………………………………………………….…..……...Rev. Robbie Shortt, Chairman

South Carolina State Presbytery of the Church of God

Selection...……………………………………………..………….……..……….…..……...….………Worship Team NACOG Ushers’ President’s Address ……………….………….…........Min. Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin Moment of Silence ..……………………………..………................….…………..…..."Gone but Not Forgotten" Intercessory Prayer / Scripture…….…..…………..…………………….…...…...…….Min. Lucretia Mack, SC Offering Appeal …….….……….……..………………………..…….Sis. Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson, NC Announcements …….……..……………..…………………….………….….…….……Sis. Patricia Howard, SC Introduction of the Speaker ……….………...……………..…..……..…………….…...Dr. Debra Renee Smart Selection……..………………...…………..………………………………..…………...….…...….…..Worship Team Speaker………….……………..………..………...…………………….……...….Rev. Dennis T. Smart, Pastor

Clement Road Church of God, Columbia, SC

Benediction

Friday - May 15, 2026 WORKSHOP……………..………………………..................….…………………….……….9:00AM – 10:00AM

Rev. Sheila Granger, MI Spiritual Resource Coordinator

MORNING SERVICE - 10:15AM Chairperson……………..………….…………………….………….…………….………..Rev. Reginald Alford, SC PRAISE & WORSHIP

Invocation ……………….…..…………….…….………………………………..……..….Rev. Reginald Alford, SC Selection ……….…..…………...………………….…………………………………....……….…..……Worship Team Intercessory Prayer …..…………………………….......………………………………......…. Sis. Theresa Banks, IL Scripture …….…..……………….………………………….………….…..….………..…......…….…..Sis. Eva Yeo, IL Offering Appeal…….……………………..…….….………....…………….………………….Sis. Gloria Dillard, MI Announcements…………..………..…………...…………..……...………..…....…….....…Sis. Patricia Howard, SC Introduction of the Speaker…….………………...……………….......…………………Deacon Patricia Yelverton Selection ……..……..……….……...………….…………………..………………………………………Worship Team SPEAKER……...…..……….……………………………………...……………………..Bishop Ophelia Livingston Pittsboro Church of God, NC

Benediction

LUNCH BREAK…….……………………………..……………....………..……………….….. 11:30AM-12:30PM (Box-lunch will be provided)

Annual Business Meeting….………………….…..…………..……..………………………….. 12:45PM-2:30PM

Friday - May 15, 2026 EVENING SERVICE - 6:00PM – 9:00PM Chairperson……………..……..……………………….……...…………………………..Rev. Reginald Alford, SC USHERS’ PROCESSIONAL / CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

Deacon Joseph Scarborough

5:45PM - Line up at the entrance of the Sanctuary (Dress Attire: Ushers’ Summer Apparel)

Entrance Song “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” Words of Reflection Rev. Reginald Alford, Pastor……………………………………...………..736 S. Sixth Street, Church of God Sis. Donna Ravenell………………………..……..……………..……………..………..Convention Mgr. /Advisor Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin…………..……………………………..….………..………… NACOGU President PRAISE & WORSHIP

Invocation………………………….…….………………….…………..…..…………..….Rev. Reginald Alford, SC Selection…………….……………..……….…………………………………..……………….…………Worship Team Intercessory Prayer / Scripture……...….……………….………….……..…. Sis. Mary Yvonne Simmons, OH Offering Appeal - Ushers’ March …..……..………………………….Min. Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin, PA Announcements……………..……………..………..………..………...…..……….………Sis. Patricia Howard, SC Introduction of the Speaker ….……..……………..…….……………………..……..…… Bro. Jack Howard, SC Selection…….……………….……...…………….……….………..……………….……………………Worship Team SPEAKER….……………..….…...…………………………………….…………….……….…..Rev. Robbie Shortt Evening Light Church of God, Laurens, SC

Communion Service and Ushers’ Re-Dedication Rev. Dennis T. Smart

Benediction

Saturday - May 16, 2026 CLOSING SERVICE: 9:30AM – 11:00AM Chairperson………..…………………………………...…………………………….……....Sis. Marie Freeman, KS

NACOGU Vice-President

PRAISE & WORSHIP

Invocation…………………..……………….…….……………………………………..….Rev. Reginald Alford, SC Selection……………………………..……………………..……..………………………………….……Worship Team Intercessory Prayer / Scripture…….…..…..………………..…...….……………..…… Min. Charlene Evans, SC Offering Appeal…….………...…………….….………..………….…………………..… Sis. Lonnie Williams, OH Announcements…………………..……………..……..……..…..…..…….………....……Sis. Patricia Howard, SC Introduction of the Speaker…………….………...………….……………...………… Deacon Patricia Yelverton Selection……………………...……………….………………………..……...…....….…………………Worship Team SPEAKER…………...………………...…………………………………..…………….Bishop Ophelia Livingston Pittsboro Church of God, NC

Words of Gratitude ………………..….…………………..…..…..……….…..Min. Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin

NACOG Ushers’ President

Benediction 11:15am…………………………………….…………………………………………..……… Lunch & Fellowship

Provided by the Clement Road COG family

A Note of Gratitude We thank the National Association of the Church of God and everyone who participated in and supported the convention. Your prayers, unwavering support, and generous contributions made this convention possible.

Special thanks to Pastor Dennis T. Smart, Dr. Debra Renee Smart, and the Clement Road Church of God for their warm invitation and gracious hospitality. We also extend sincere thanks to our State Leaders, Ushers, Speakers, Chairperson, and Worship Team for their dedication and hard work. We deeply appreciate your commitment and service.

THANK YOU!

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD USHERS OFFICERS

Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin ……….…..….……….……………..………….. President Marie Freeman …………………..…………….…….…………..………..Vice President Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson …………….…..……………………..………..Treasurer Gloria Dillard………....………………....………….…..….…..……..Assistant Treasurer Mary Yvonne Simmons …………....…..………..…….…….………………….Secretary Patricia Howard………...………………….……………….………..………….Registrar Sheila Granger……………………………….…………..Spiritual Resource Coordinator Esther Deans…………………………….………..…………...………………….Advisor Donna M. Ravenell…………….…………..………….…..Convention Manager/Advisor Elizabeth K. Gaddis ………..……………………………….Advisor / Floor Coordinator Bessie Smith ………..…………………..……..Community Mission Project Coordinator SUB SUB-COMMITTEES FINANCE COMMITTEE

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson (Chair) - NC Gloria Dillard - MI Patricia Howard - SC Esther Deans - IN Donna Ravenell - SC

Mary Ann Nesbit (Acting Chair)- GA

Diane Patterson - IN Jack Howard - SC Susie Beasley, OH

COMMUNION COMMITTEE

Rev. Sheila Granger (Chair) – MI Mary Sutton, OH Marion Hazly, OH Jack Howard - SC

Guest Speaker

Rev. Dennis T. Smart

Pastor Clement Road Church of God, Columbia, SC

Pastor Dennis T. Smart was born on September 7, 1966, in Smyrna, TN. His spiritual birth was on June 21, 1993. On June 28, 1993, he was called to the ministry. Standing in the pulpit on June 28, 1993, at Clement Road Church of God, the Lord said: “Today your life is changed forever.” After hearing the call, God’s assignment for him was to preach the Gospel and live out unity amongst the believers.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (We might add black or white).

He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree at MTSU 1989. On October 3, 1998, he married the love of his life Dr. Debra Renee Smart. He received Continued Education in Biblical Studies at Trevecca Nazarene University 1999-2003.

In 2001, he became Pastor of Mt. Juliet First Church of God in Mt. Juliet, TN. In 2006, he continued ministering at Bell Road Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, TN. From there, the Lord placed in his heart along with others to plant a Church in Smyrna, TN. On May 6, 2012, Community First Church was established.

After hearing the call to come to Columbia, South Carolina in 2017, Pastor Dennis accepted the fulltime pastorate of Clement Road Church of God. His hallmark saying is “It’s not about me, but He who saves thee and sets all men free”.

Workshop Leader

Rev. Sheila Granger

Spiritual Advisor National Association Church of God Ushers

Rev. Sheila Granger is a passionate servant who is committed to inspiring transformation through the power of God’s Word. Her ministry is rooted in Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This scripture reflects her prayer to see clearly, teach faithfully, and serve wholeheartedly.

Rev. Granger earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Central Michigan University. She also holds a degree in Christian Leadership from Christian University of Southern Indiana. In addition, she completed studies at the Geraldine Marvell Miller Wright Institute for Women in Ministry, where she now serves on the Alumnae Association Board.

Her ministry journey has included impactful leadership roles such as Chair of the General Assembly of the Church of God Michigan, Minister at Joseph Campau Avenue Church of God, Executive Board Member of Ministers and Laity United (formerly Greater Detroit Metropolitan Area Ministerial Fellowship), and President of the Michigan State Ushers of the Church of God. Currently, Rev. Granger serves as Associate Pastor at Community Church of God, where she preaches with boldness, teaches with clarity, and disciples with authenticity. She also serves the broader body of Christ as the Spiritual Advisor for the National Association of the Church of God Ushers.

Her testimony echoes the words of 1Timothy 1:12: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.”

Guest Speaker

Bishop Ophelia Livingston Senior Pastor Pittsboro Church of God, Pittsboro, NC

Bishop Ophelia Livingston serves as Pastor of Pittsboro Church of God in Pittsboro, North Carolina, called to lead with faith, purpose, and compassion. Licensed to preach in 2010 and ordained in 2013, she received the call to pastor on April 28, 2018.

Bishop Livingston is Vice Chancellor of The Episcopal Academy, a training academy for bishops, pastors, and School of Ministry students. She also serves as Chair of the North Carolina Church of God Ministerial Development Institute and is a member of the Church Service Team (CST). Since 2025, she has served as a Master Trainer for the National Deacons Convention of America, providing intensive training for churches in leadership development, pastoral search support, and lay training.

A native of Stokesdale, North Carolina, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an MBA from Salem International University, an M.S. in Information Assurance from the University of Fairfax, and both a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Christian Education from Andersonville Theological Seminary. She was selected to participate in the 2023–2025 “Thriving in Ministry” cohort under the umbrella of the Dale C. Bronner Institute of Ministry Leadership & Development and is a 2024 graduate of the Keitt Institute’s “Grace in Action” cohort for Women in Ministry. In 2025, she became an extension school for Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and leadership development.

Rev. Dr. Livingston also serves her community as a board member of Consolidated Health and Human Services of Lee County and Downtown Sanford, Incorporated, and she has previously served as an elected School Board member and as a trustee of Central Carolina Community College.

Bishop Livingston was married to Dr. James Livingston for 31 years until his passing in 2015. Together they raised three daughters, and she is the proud grandmother of three grandchildren who affectionately call her “Nana.” She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Guest Speaker

Rev. Robert Beasley Shortt

Pastor Evening Light Church of God, Laurens, SC

Pastor Robert Beasley Shortt, affectionately known as “Robbie,” is the youngest son of Dr. Robert and Carolyn Beasley Shortt. He currently serves as the Pastor of Evening Light Church of God in Laurens, South Carolina. Pastor Shortt is a graduate of Lander University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in health care management from Clemson University, along with a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development. He is also a doctoral candidate in Strategic Leadership, with a concentration in Servant and Shepherd Leadership, at Liberty University.

With a deep passion for teaching and people, Pastor Shortt is actively engaged in both ministry and community service. He serves as a chaplain and holds leadership roles in several organizations throughout Laurens, South Carolina. Additionally, he is a member of the South Carolina Unified Credential Committee and serves as Chairperson of the South Carolina State Presbytery of the Church of God. Pastor Shortt firmly believes that spiritual grounding is essential to creating meaningful and lasting impact within the community and across generations.

Pastor Shortt is married to Dr. Tammy C. Stuckey, DNP. He has one brother, three sisters-in-law, and five nieces whom he deeply cherishes. One of his most inspirational scriptures is Proverbs 3:5–7: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”

Congratulations to the National Ushers on your 70th Convention The Brockington Street Church of God usher Board extends warm greetings.

May god continue to bless the work of the ministry and all who labor faithfully in His service.

Sis. Tiller White, Usher President Rev. Patricia Kirkland, Sr. Pastor

N AT I O N A L U S H E R S T H 7 0 C O N V E N T I O N

Community Church of God Macon, Ga Usher Department

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:13

72nd National Association of the Church of God Ushers Convention GEORGIA STATE USHERS Annie R. Cobb

President

Mary Ann Nesbit

Advisor / Corresponding Secretary

James Isaac

Chaplain

Gloria Isaac

Parliamentarian

Patricia Howard JoAnn Lemon Laurie Ann Brown Shirley Ellington Patricia Toliver Pamela Haigood

Monique Jamison Toni Perry Veronica Williams Annette Pringle Saryah Anderson Isaiah Anderson

Justin Mayshack Lamont Haigood Lloyd Grimes Edward Pringle Fred Caviness Chance Caviness

Jack Howard, President Betty Boone, Vice President Donna Ravenell, Advisor Zanzaire Dickerson, Usher Emeris Arthur Ravenell, Usher Emeris Psalm 84:10 (KNJV) For a day in your courts is better than a thousand.

I’d rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Past National Ushers Convention Sites 1954 Sharon, PA

1978 Los Angeles, CA

2002 Birmingham, AL

1955 Cleveland, OH

1979 Washington, DC

2003 Arlington, VA

1956 Pittsburgh, PA

1980 Atlanta, GA

2004 Indianapolis, IN

1957 Detroit, MI

1981 Detroit, MI

2005 Columbus, OH

1958 Toledo, OH

1982 Tampa, FL

2006 Chattanooga, TN

1959 St. Louis, MO

1983 Cleveland, OH

2007 Iselin, NJ

1960 Detroit, MI

1984 Birmingham, AL

2008 Kansas City, MO

1961 Evanston, IL

1985 Los Angeles, CA

2009 Tampa, FL

1962 Gary, IN

1986 Philadelphia, PA

2010 Atlanta, GA

1963 Buffalo, NY

1987 Jacksonville, FL

2011 Eastern Caribbean

1964 Baltimore, MD

1988 Macon, GA

2012 Fresno, CA

1965 Columbus, OH

1989 Kingston, Jamaica

2013 Charieston, SC

1966 Hamilton, Bermuda

1990 Seattle, WA

2014 Naperville, IL

1967 Toledo, OH

1991 Newark, NJ

2015 Long Island, NY

1968 Detroit, MI

1992 Columbus, OH

2016 Detroit, MI

1969 Far Rockaway, NY

1993 Houston, TX

2017 Southern Caribbean

1970 Cinncinnati, OH

1994 Atlanta,GA

2018 Springfield, MA

1971 St. Petersburg, FL

1995 Los Angeles, CA

2019 Tampa, FL

1972 New York, NY

1996 Trevose, PA

2022 Virtual

1973 Miami, FL

1997 Charleston, Sc

2023 Ypsilanti, MI

1974 Philadelphia, PA

1998 St. Louis, MO

2024 Virtual

1975 Chicago, IL

1999 Houston, Tx

2025 Akron, OH

1976 New Haven, CT

2000 Seattle, WA

2026 Columbia, SC

1977 St. Petersburg, FL

2001 Detroit, MI