The e National l AssociationoftheChuurch h of f God d Ushers s Offi
Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson Treasurer - NC
Patricia Howard Registrar - SC
Mary Y. Simmons Secretary - OH
Rev. Sheila Granger Spiritual Resource Coordinator - MI
Elizabeth Cheeseman-Martin President - PA
“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
Marie Freeman Vice-President - KS
Gloria Dillard Assistant Treasurer - MI
Esther Deans Advisor - IN
Donna Ravenell Convention Mgr. / Advisor - SC
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 o cers 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 1 4 , 202 6
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 C hurch of God , Chairman / Worship Team
Invocation……………………….…………….…….…….…
ev. 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...……………………………………………..………….……
NACOG U shers’President’s Address
Team
Min. Elizabeth Cheeseman -Martin
Moment of Silence "Gone but Not Forgotten"
Intercessory Prayer / Scripture…….…..…………..
Lucretia Mack, SC
Offering Appeal Sis. Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson, NC
Announcements Sis. Patricia Howard, SC
Introduction of the Speaker
Debra Renee Smart Selection Worship Team
Speaker Rev. Dennis T. Smart, Pastor Clement Road Church of God, Columbia, SC
WORK
Friday -May 15, 2026
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
Scripture
Offering Appeal
Sis. Theresa Banks, IL
Sis. Eva Yeo, IL
Sis. Gloria Dillard , MI Announcements…………..………..…………...…………..…
Introduction
Patricia Howard,
Patricia Yelverton
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…………..……………………………..….
PRAISE & WORSHIP
Invocation………………………….…….………………….…………..…
NACOGU President
Reginald Alford, SC
Selection Worship Team
Intercessory Prayer / Scripture
Offering Appeal- Ushers’ March
Announcements
Sis. Mary Yvonne Simmons, OH
Elizabeth Cheeseman -Martin, PA
Sis. Patricia Howard, SC
Introduction of the Speaker Bro. Jack Howard, SC
Selection…….……………….……...…………….……….………..……
SPEAKER
Team
Rev. Robbie Shortt Evening Light Church of God, Laurens, SC
Communion Service and Ushers’ Re - Dedication
Rev. Dennis T. Smart
Chairperson
PRAISE & WORSHIP
Saturday -May 16, 2026
CLOSING SERVICE: 9:30AM –11:00AM
Sis. Marie Freeman, KS NACOGU Vice -President
Invocation…………………..……………….…….……………………………………..….Rev. Reginald Alford, SC
Selection Worship Team
Intercessory Prayer / Scripture
Offering Appeal…….………...…………….….………..………….……………
Announcements
Min. Charlene Evans, SC
Sis. Lonnie Williams, OH
Sis. Patricia Howard, SC
Introduction of the Speaker Deacon Patricia Yelverton
Selection……………………...……………….……
SPEAKER
Words of Gratitude
Team
Bishop Ophelia Livingston Pittsboro Church of God, NC
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-COMMITTEES SUB
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Juanita Hollingsworth-Johnson (Chair) - NC
Gloria Dillard- MI
Patricia Howard- SC
Esther Deans - IN
Donna Ravenell - SC
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Mary Ann Nesbit (Acting Chair)- GA
DianePatterson - 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, o ering 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 a ectionately 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, a ectionately 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 onyour 70th Convention
The Brockington Street Church of God usher Board extendswarm greetings.
May god continue tobless the work of the ministry and all who labor faithfully in His service.
Sis. Tiller White, Usher President Rev. Patricia Kirkland, Sr. Pastor
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
Justin Mayshack
Toni Perry Lamont Haigood
Veronica Williams
Annette Pringle
Saryah Anderson
Isaiah Anderson
Jack Howard, President
Betty Boone, Vice President
Donna Ravenell, Advisor
Zanzaire Dickerson, Usher Emeris
Arthur Ravenell, Usher Emeris
Lloyd Grimes
Edward Pringle
Fred Caviness
Chance Caviness
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.
1954 Sharon, PA
Past National Ushers Convention Sites
195 5 Cleveland, OH
195 6 Pittsburgh, PA
8 Los Angeles, CA
79 Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
195 7 Detroit, MI 198 1 Detroit, MI
195 8 Toledo, OH
195 9 St. Louis, MO
196 0 Detroit, MI
196 1 Evanston, IL
196 2 Gary, IN
Ta mpa, FL
Cleveland, OH
4 Birmingham, AL
Los Angeles, CA
2 Birmingham, AL
03 Arlington, VA
04 Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Chattanooga, TN
Iselin, NJ
Kansas City, MO
Ta mpa, FL
10 Atlanta, GA 196 3 Buffalo, NY
196 4 Baltimore, MD
196 5 Columbus, OH
196 6 Hamilton, Bermuda
196 7 Toledo, OH
196 8 Detroit, MI
196 9 Far Rockaway, NY
Cinncinnati, OH
197 1 St. Petersburg, FL
197 2 New Yor k, NY
Jacksonville, FL
88 Macon, GA
Kingston, Jamaica
90 Seattle, WA
Newark, NJ
2 Columbus, OH
93 Houston, TX
4 Atlanta,GA
95 Los Angeles, CA
96 Trevose, PA
Eastern Caribbean
2 Fresno, CA
Chari eston, SC
Naperville, IL
Long Island, NY
Detroi t, MI
S outhern Caribbe an
Springfield, MA
9 Tampa, FL
2 Virtual 1973 Miami, FL
1974 Philadelphia, PA
1975 Chicago, IL
97 Charleston, Sc
S t. Louis, MO
Houston, Tx
Ypsilanti, MI
024 Virtual
Akron, OH 1976 New Haven, CT
1977 St. Petersburg, FL
00 Seattle, WA
01 Detroit, MI
Columbia, SC
