Pastor's Appreciation 2020: Celebrating 31 years of light, love, and leadership.

Gail TO!ERT SMITH PASTOR

THIRTY–ONE YEARS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND LEADERSHIP. UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER

It's A

Celebration!

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale and Ray of Hope Christian Church salute

Rev. Gail Tolbert Smith on your 31st Pastoral Anniversary And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?

As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!�

Romans 10:15

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Senior Pastor

OFFICIAL EVENTS

PASTOR’S DRIVE-BY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION S U N D AY, A U G U S T 2 , 2 0 2 0 HUTCHINGS COLLEGE AND CAREER ACADEMY MACON, GEORGIA

IGNITE 2020 A VIRTUAL WORD & WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY IN AUGUST

31ST PASTORAL APPRECIATION A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020

Gail Smith Speaks

THIRTY–ONE YEARS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND LEADERSHIP. UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER

Pastor's

MINISTRY PARTNERS

DIAMOND $3000 AND UP Rickey and Cheryl Moore

PLATINUM $1500 AND UP Joann Canady Rev. Dominique Nichols

GOLD $1000 AND UP Hugh & Deacon Angelia Atkins Zandrea Durham Darrel & Wanae Jones Dr. Barbara Jones-Franklin Rev. Tina Thames

SILVER $500 AND UP Michaelle Banks - $500.00 Rev. Michael Hill Glennis Hirst Rev. Edward and Serena Howard (and Kevin Jackson) Jimmy and Peronica Jackson Pastor Michael and Patricia Little Deacons Donito and Sandra Newbill Frank and Carol Thomas

Gail Smith Speaks

BRONZE $300 AND UP Pastor Sandra Barrion Pastor Deloise Hill Pastor Jeremy and Donnisha Mills Pastor Derrick Thomas Artice and Debra Jackson Shirley Lawson Carrow Roberts Rosalind Walker Brenda Watkins Ruby Woodson

THIRTY–ONE YEARS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND LEADERSHIP. UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER

Dear

UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER My Beloved Brothers & Sisters:

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It brings me pleasure to address you as a faithful and united family of God. I am writing you today with a heart full of gratitude for the grace that is upon your lives and for the generosity you have shown me, particularly during these uncertain times. As I consider where we are and what we have been through, I can assuredly declare that God has been good to us and you have been good to me.

What a year this has been! Life typically brings a variety of circumstances, but it is rare that we all go through the same kind of storm at the same time. COVID-19 has caused some unique struggles that none of us imagined we would ever face. However, despite the personal challenges and our inability to assemble together as usual, you have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the church and to me. For that, I am truly grateful.

Too often, pastors do not expose or even share all of the complexities of ministry. On one hand, the call to pastor is an amazing opportunity to touch lives and experience what the power of God can do through a unified body of believers. One the other hand, there is indescribable pain like walking through the illness or death of a member, settling relationship conflicts, and overcoming unrealized expectations all while the pastor is navigating his or her own personal crises. This is especially true enduring a global pandemic, which only compounds the pressures of life and cares of the ministry. That is why every act of gratitude means so much—every financial gift, card, phone call, and text message. Every display of generosity serves as a healing balm that soothes the pain and renews the will to continue the journey.

As we persevere through the troubled waters of this Euroclydon, please know that my heart is with each of you and my commitment is to serve you to the best of my ability both until and after this storm passes over. Thank you for all you have done to support me and the ULCC family. As always, I love you; I bless you; I appreciate you; and I thank God for you!

Walking in the Light,

M

REVEREND GAIL TOLBERT SMITH

OUR PASTOR . OUR G.E.M. Guiding. Exploring. Modeling

Born the youngest daughter of renown pastor of Progressive Baptist Church and Christian educator, the late Dr. Curtis Tolbert, and founder/administrator of Progressive Christian Academy, Dr. Betty J. Tolbert, Rev. Gail Tolbert Smith encountered God at the tender age of three while playing in the backyard and her life has never been the same again.

She began her formal education in Nashville, Tennessee, where her parents moved to further their calling, preparation and pursuit of Christian ministry. Upon returning to Macon, Georgia, she matriculated through the Bibb County School District. Gail graduated from Georgia College and State University in 1980 with a B.S. Degree in Sociology and received a Masters of Science in Christian Counseling Psychology from Carolina University - School of Theology in 1992. In 2011 she received a Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. and is currently pursing a Ph.D. in Public Service Leadership with a specialization in NonProfit Management. In addition, she is a licensed temperament therapist.

In 1985 Gail made history in Macon, Georgia as the first African American woman licensed to preach in the Baptist denomination. As she ascended the pulpit of her father’s church before a capacity crowd to preach her initial sermon, the Baptist Association was ousting her father as president and the Macon Telegraph was grinding out the front page story. But no one who heard Gail could deny – the Spirit of the Lord was upon her and He had anointed her to preach!”

Gail was licensed in 1985, and ordained in 1989 by both Progressive Baptist Church and Lighthouse of Deliverance (now Covenant Life Cathedral) of Macon, Georgia, pastored by the late Dr. Estelle M. Good.

In February, 1989, Rev. Gail proclaimed the clarion call of God – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14) – and at ten o’clock a.m., 35 people from all walks of life, converged on historic Macon at the campus of Progressive Christian Academy, 151 Madison Street, to begin the ministry of Universal Light Christian Center (ULCC). In the lunch room of the school founded by Dr. Tolbert (Pastor Smith’s mother), the praise began, the word went forth, and true to her motto, ULCC has never been the same again. Pastor Smith and the ULCC Missions team has traveled as far as Africa and Haiti ministering in word and in deed.

Rev. Smith founded the Middle Georgia Council of Women in Ministry in 1996, which later merged with Women of Grace, Incorporated where a scholarship has been named in her honor. She is past owner of the Center for Alternative Health and is currently the Family Engagement Coordinator for the Department of Juvenile Justice - Georgia Preparatory Academy. In 2009, she received her fifth “Rev. Gail T. Smith Day" in Macon, Georgia; and in August, 2013 she received her second recognition as one of Georgia's Greatest Female Pastors. On her 25th Pastor’s Appreciation in 2014, she received the Key to the City of Macon, among numerous other awards and commendations. Pastor Smith is also a celebrated columnist for the Macon Telegraph since 2004. Rev. Smith was married to the late Rev. James Nelson Smith, Jr. and has one son, James Nelson Smith III.

OUR PASTOR Have you ever walked in our Pastor's shoes, And gone where his feet have trod?

Have you ever thought of what he means to us, And on your knees, given thanks to God? Have you ever told him thank you, For being there, when times are tough, For comforting words and fervent prayers When trials come and the storms of life are rough?

He answers our calls in the middle of the night And tells us not to worry, for he will be there.

He gives up his comfort of quiet rest And comes with prayers of comfort to share.

Have you ever thought to say thank you Pastor, For preaching God's word to help us understand, For all the times he has asked for things That will lend us a helping hand?

When you pray, put him at the top of the list And ask the Lord to surround him with loving care, To give him strength and walk with him, To help him with the burdens that he must bear.

Have you ever walked in our Pastor's shoes, And gone where his feet have trod?

Have you ever thought of what he means to us,

Gail Smith Speaks

And on your knees, given thanks to God?

THIRTY–ONE YEARS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND LEADERSHIP. UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER

Judy Crowe

So many call you Pastor, but only I can call you mom.

James Nelson Smith III

I

am the man I am today because of the pastor and parent you are –

consistent, compassionate and supportive. I have been on this journey with you from day one, and NEVER have I been disappointed or

ashamed. I am so honored to say that you have been the mother that King Lemuel celebrated in Proverbs 31.

How blessed am I?! I love you mom and I salute you on year 31. Keep stirring up good trouble. I got your back!

You have always exceeded our hopes, dreams and expectations.

Dr. Betty J. Tolbert

T

hirty-five years ago you and your father caused some good trouble not only in this community, but in the Baptist denomination. It was one of the proudest days of my life. Your father would be beaming with pride

today as well. You have always exceeded our hopes, dreams and expectations for you. “Therefore, my beloved daughter and Pastor, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give [yourself] fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58.

Continue the good work of good trouble.

Love, Mama

You are my friend, my family, and my pastor and I am proud with you.

JoAnn Canady In loving memory of Ruby L. Canady

A

dear friend will love you no matter what, and a family sticks together through all kinds of trouble.� Proverbs 17:17 (Passion Translation) You are a friend I

cherish, a sister I love, and a pastor I respect. I am filled with pride and admiration as you master obstacles and soar with wings.

Congratulations on another milestone!

Be strengthened.

Be renewed.

Be bold.

"He will not forget your work and the love you have shown…”

Rickey & Cheryl Moore

H

e will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 Thank you for all you do!

Thank you for all you are!

Thank you for all you give!

Thank you for all you see and say.

We are better because.

You have meant so much to our family throughout the years Hugh & Angelia Atkins

T

wenty-two years as our Pastor and at least 54 years as my sisterfriend! We have been together a long time on this Christian journey.

You have meant so much to our family throughout the years; but God

assigning you as our Pastor is definitely a GREAT thing He did in our lives!

Keep preaching Good Trouble: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

2 Timothy 4:2 HAPPY 31st PASTOR’S APPRECIATION We Love You,

The Lord surely knew we would need a Pastor as faithful as you!

Deacons Donito & Sandra Newbill and Family

H

appy 31st Appreciation to our Favorite Pastor, Rev. Gail Tolbert-Smith! In infinite wisdom, the Lord surely knew we would need a Pastor as faithful as you! You love the Word of God, and you most definitely have a heart

for your flock! You give of yourself wholeheartedly, and you always stand firmly on the solid rock! A woman of divine Wisdom, Integrity, Humility, Compassion, Excellence, Confidence, Strength, and Courage—that is who you are! 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” You are a phenomenal Pastor, and we love you dearly!

Thank you for building a legacy that is big enough to enfold many‌ REV. TINA THAMES

P

astor, thank you for being our Ella Baker - a leader in what seem to be an impossible movement and dream. Like Baker and John Lewis, you

have always had the audacity to dream big and to inspire us to

believe God for the impossible.

Thank you for being a trailblazer, paving the way for not only women in ministry but for all who dare to be demonstrative and determined in our faith and/or profession.

Thank you for building a legacy that is big enough to enfold many, and strong enough for all who desire to stand and build upon it.

Thank you for being our Fundi (the Swahili term assigned to Baker), a person who teaches a craft to the next generation. You did not set out to stir good trouble but like our civil rights ancestors, upon realizing it was necessary, you did not turn away or run. Thank you for continuing the the good fight for 35 years in ministry and 31 years in pastoral leadership.

I love and admire you and I am honored to serve alongside you.

There are no words for what you have meant to me.

ZANDREA & MYRA DURHAM

P

astor, Congratulations on 31 years of faithful, transformational

ministry! There are no words for what you have meant to

me and my family. You are a blessing to us and we pray many

more prosperous years of light, love and hope.

We Love You!

A pillar. A rock. A beacon of hope to our community!

Jimmy & peronica Jackson and Family

A

virtuous woman who is as bold as the lion she admires. A pillar.

A rock. A beacon of hope to our community! Pastor, we thank God for your vision and leadership and we are excited to be

apart of that vision and mission.

From one soldier to another, Peronica and I salute you!

Congratulations on another year of excellence!

The service you provide is supplying the needs of God’s people Associate Pastor Michael & Patricia Little

C

ongratulations on your 31st Pastoral Appreciation!

The service you provide is not only supplying the needs of God’s people, it is also overflowing in many expressions of gratitude to the

Lord!“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of

you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…”

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We Love You!

Some superheroes don’t have capes . . . They're called Pastor!

Michaelle Banks, Chelsi, Ava and Elijah Pitts

Y

ou are a superhero, a “good troublemaker,” a wise counsel

and confidant, a loving godmother to Ava and an amazing

Pastor, preacher and teacher of the word. We love and celebrate

you!

YOU HAVE CONTINUOUSLY EMPOWERED ME TO DECLARE, “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.” DR. BARBARA JONES-FRANKLIN

R

ev. Gail Tolbert Smith, For twenty-six years, you have served as my spiritual midwife. On

many occasions, you have cut the enemy's cords of destruction from choking God's plans from my life. You have continuously

empowered me to declare, “I AM the Light of the World." You have been God's helper in birthing my new life and various ministries: VBS Coordinator, Minister of Education, Honors Sunday Coordinator, Prayer Facilitator, and PAC Member (just to name a few). You have nurtured and encouraged me to "let go" and allow God to have His perfect work.

Happy 31st Pastoral Anniversary!

I love you, BFrank Speaking frankly about what matters

I am of the unwavering belief that my life looks better now than it ever would have.

Rev. Dominique Dichols Mwalimu, You have been my Pastor for more than half my life.

Because of our connection, I am of the unwavering belief that my life looks better now than it ever would have, had our paths never crossed. I am inexorably honored and proud to do ministry with you. I consider it a special privilege to glean from the messages you preach, as well as the message you live. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I am a better man and minister for it. Keep on shattering ceilings and stirring up good trouble.

All my Love and Respect, “The Baby Preacher�

you have always walked the path of giants REVEREND MICHAEL HILL

My Pastor, Rev. Gail T. Smith, you have always walked the path of giants who start good trouble and challenge the status quo. I am proud to serve with you in ministry.

I celebrate you on your 31st Pastoral Appreciation.

Your Humble Leo Brother,

Continue the good fight of faith, hope and love.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR DELOISE HILL Happy 31st Anniversary, Pastor! “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.� I Timothy 3:13 Pastor I can testify that you have served well because it is evident in your faith and understanding of the Word. I love you and I thank God to serve with you in ministry.

Continue the good fight of faith, hope and love.

I love you!

Your Message and ministry feeds our souls fresh manna.

ARTICE AND DEBRA JACKSON Pastor Gail T. Smith 1 Corinthians 2: 7-9 (NKJV) says: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known; they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But it is written; eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, not have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.�

Your message and ministry speaks to our hearts and feeds our souls fresh manna. We are stronger, better and wiser because of your 31 years of good trouble.

Happy Anniversary!

WE LOVE YOU

My prayer is that God will continue to pour an anointing of His spirit over all you say and do.

GLENNIS HIRST Dear Pastor Congratulations on 31 years of dedicated service to God and your people.

My prayer is that God will continue to pour an anointing of His spirit over all you say and do.

May each day be special and filled with blessings.

May you feast upon His goodness, and may His love flow through your actions.

May His joy continue to show on your face; may others feel His presence in you.

I love you and wish you many more wonderful, blessed and healthy years.

All my love,

You are a true woman of God and preacher of the Gospel.

MOTHER RUBY WOODSON & FAMILY Pastor Gail T. Smith Congratulations on 31 years of touching hearts and changing lives through your love and ministry. You are a true woman of God and preacher of the Gospel. I thank God for you and what you mean to our family. I love you!

You are a good shepherd who truly loves the sheep.

MOTHER CARROW ROBERTS Congratulations to my Pastor on 31 years of preaching, teaching and caring for the sheep. You are a good shepherd who truly loves the sheep. I thank God that you are my Pastor. I love you and I celebrate you.

We continue to grow stronger and wiser because of you.

FRANK AND CAROL THOMAS & FAMILY Congratulations, Rev. Gail T. Smith!

What an outstanding job you have done for the past 31 years.

Know that your labor and love have not been in vain. We continue to grow stronger and wiser as a Christian family because of you.

May you continue to preach the Word in season for many more years to come and know that we love you and stand with you.

Keep allowing God to use you Brenda Watkins and family The LORD is a stronghold in the time of trouble. He knows those who trust in Him and He knows you. Pastor keep on keeping on. Keep allowing God to use you to speak life, love and hope to us and keep sticking with Him! Your 31 years of faith, trust, and love have been a blessing to the body of Christ. May God grant many more years to you.

I love you and thank God for you.

we thank God for giving us a Pastor just like You. REV. EDWARD AND SERENA HOWARD & KEVIN JACKSON To Our Pastor, Rev. Gail T. Smith “You lead our congregation by opening God's Word, and then you live your life reflecting all we've heard. You care for others deeply and lift them up in prayer, and when we face misfortune, we know that you'll be there. We really love you, Pastor, for everything you do.

And we thank God for giving us a Pastor just like You.” –Anne Peterson We Love You.

You inspired me to spread light, love and hope.

ASHANTI GRIGGS Pastor Smith, congratulations on your 31st Pastoral Anniversary!

Thank you for being a torch bearer for so many women, including me! You inspired me to spread light, love and hope during my undergraduate studies at Mercer University and because of that, I will never be the same again!

I LOVE YOU! Ashanti Griggs, Mercer University ‘20 Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Minor in Chemistry 2020 ULCC Be Light Award Recipient

Pastor Smith Congratulations on 31 years of POWERFUL and PASSIONATE ministry! “Rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and those things in the which I appear unto thee.�

Acts 26:16 Edward Jerome Hill & Family Tiffany Fambro, Stephanie Fambro, Eric Fambro, EJ and India Hill

PASTOR PAUL LITTLE AND THE BIBB MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH CONGRATULATE

DR. GAIL TOLBERT SMITH

ON HER 31ST PASTORALANNIVERSARY We pray that you have many more years of leading, feeding and interceding.

PASTOR’S BIRTHDAY PARADE

PASTOR’S BIRTHDAY PARADE

CLERGY AND DEACONS APPRECIATION

MEN IN PROGRESS

BE LIGHT SUMMER CAMP

BE THE LIGHT TUTORIAL

WORSHIP ARTS

IRON MEN

RADIANT WOMEN

MINISTRY TEAMS

THANK YOU 2019 IGNITE GUESTS

PASTOR DERRICK THOMAS | PASTOR SANDRA BARRION PASTOR CHRISTOPHER CABINESS | PASTOR JASON MCLENDON PSALMIST CARMEN REID

THANK YOU ULCC PAC

ULCC TECH PAC

PHOTOGRAPHY

Angelia Atkins

Kevin Jackson

Marcus Jolly

Michaelle Banks

Tina Thames

Joann Canady Lynn Dews

MAKEUP ARTIST

Zandrea Durham

Arnitra Pitt-Salter

PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Jelks

Barbara Jones–Franklin Cheryl Hill

“LOOK TO HILLS” TRACK

BIRTHDAY VENUE

Jimmy Jackson

MattDunlap Music LTD

Dr. Cassandra Washington

Patricia Little Donito Newbill

PASTRY CHEF

Sandra Newbill

Mindy Floyd

STAGING & DECOR

Dominique Nichols

Kinsherica Gipson

JoAnn Canady

Tina Thames GRAPHIC DESIGN, PROGRAMS AND MULTIMEDIA

Thamesink

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A Multimedia Design Group

Gail Smith Speaks

THIRTY–ONE YEARS OF LIGHT, LOVE, AND LEADERSHIP. UNIVERSAL LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER