FIJMD Magazine

Dear Elder Owens: I am pleased to extend to our State Music Department my blessings for a successful launch of the “FJIMD Insider”.

To those readers of this publication, my prayer is for you to take full advantage of the empowering and edifying information that has been designed to equip you to do the most effective job possible for the Lord.

My confidence in the benefits and success of this new initiative is steadfast under your leadership. I believe this magazine will be one of the greatest ventures in the history of the First Jurisdiction Illinois Music Department. May the Lord grant you peace and cause you to enjoy prosperity in all your endeavors.

I am by His Grace,

Bishop Ocie Booker Bishop Ocie Booker, Prelate First Jurisdiction Illinois

Elder Cornelius Owens Minister of Music First Jurisdiction Illinois Church of God in Christ Elder Owens: Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Congratulations on your “FJIMD Insider” Magazine. It is indeed a blessing when the saints of God can receive inspriation on praise and worship. As Psalm 66:4 reminds us to worship the Lord and sing unto Him, my hope is that the readers will work in their assigned areas of ministry inspired to do so. May God’s continued blessings be upon the First Jurisdiction Illinois Music Department - Minister of Music Elder Cornelius Owens.

Yours in Service,

Mother Shirley Hughes Jurisdictional Supervisor

A LETTER FROM THE

JURISDICTIONAL MINISTER OF MUSIC IT IS MY GREAT PRIVILEGE TO PRESENT TO YOU THE PREMIER EDITION OF THE “FJIMD INSIDER”!

Every nation, every human being that came across earth had a song and sang in some way to their God. -Thomas Dorsey

son, every ministry has been chal-

We read in Habakkuk 2:2, “Write

to this new landscape of worship.

lenged to take a step back and see themselves for who they truly areno frills, no pretense, no grand platform. While some have been discouraged and completely shut their doors, others who remained resilient have taken this time and tapped into the anointing of pivoting, personally and ecumenically,

the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that rea-

It is my prayer that as you read

deth it.”

through the pages of this publi-

G

cation that you are inspired to be

od gave me the vision

greater, reach higher and stretch

for this magazine some

further. In this issue we will ex-

time ago as a means

amine the importance of worship,

to not only highlight the activi-

highlight our incredible staff, take

ties of the First Jurisdiction Illi-

a closer look at some existing sec-

nois Music Department, but as a

tors of the Music Department,

method to communicate effective

and introduce new initiatives in

strategies to empower and en-

the worship arts. I am most exit-

courage local music ministries as

ed to present to you an updated

they work to build their church-

version of the rich history of the

es. However, as we lived through

legendary FJI Music Department!

the most unusual time of our lives in the pandemic, it became even

I encourage you to share this mag-

more imperative to equip God’s

azine with your friends, family

people with tools for ministry.

and local church so they too can be motivated to write the vision

During this unprecedented sea-

given to them and run with it.

ELDER CORNELIUS OWENS

JURISDICTIONAL MINISTER OF MUSIC FIRST JURISDICTION ILLINOIS COGIC