Where we are going
A PUBLICATION OF TABERNACLE OF PRAISE CATHEDRAL
JULY 2009
JAMMIN’ 4
JESUS
Waging War Permission To Exhale Wade in the Water NAKED
Celebrate Summer The Service of an Usher Dying To Live
FAITH SPEAKS
The Word of God Promises that you can have whatever you say in Faith. – St. Mark 11: 23, 24 If you desire a breakthrough in your finances, make the following word based confessions daily and speak your financial prosperity into existence today! •
In the name of Jesus, I declare that God’s desire for me is to prosper financially.
•
I possess the power to seize wealth, and lay hold on my covenant right to be free from bondage to debt, lack and insufficiency.
•
Abundance, prosperity and the good life are mine.
•
I speak to the mountain of circumstances and command it be removed from my life now!
•
God is my Source; He is the God of breakthrough.
•
Therefore, by faith I declare that this is my receiving day and year of financial breakthrough!
•
I will give God what belongs to Him, His tithe–it’s not mine to begin with.
•
I will give the Lord an offering, to move His heart towards me.
•
I will discipline my spending and watch the miracles of God in my finances.
•
I declare this in Jesus name!
Where we are...
Dear Kingdom Builders: D G God is doing a new tthing in Tabernacle. H He is preparing the way w of the saints who are a Kingdom minded. He H is moving us at a faster pace towards f the new Cathedral. There are many things happening in the working of the Lord to help us erect the building of the House. I implore you to continue to support your church, your tithes and your offerings are the foundation to the next level. We must stay Kingdom minded. We are entering a new kingdom experience. The revelation and knowledge of our purpose here on earth, and how that purpose is directly connected to Tabernacle.
MINISTRY DIRECTORY Bishop Eric D. Garnes, Senior Pastor Elder Martin De Silva, Assistant Pastor Overseer to Ministries Dr. Delicia M. B. Garnes, Church Administrator Sis. Denise Absalom, Word of God Drama Ministry Sis. Tracy Agard-Hubert, Marketing Sis. Tasha Barnett, Projection Sis. Deborah Bourne, Director of Finance Elder Joseph Brashaw, Evangelism Sis. Mercedes Brown, St. Lukes Pavilion Bro. Alejandro Campbell, Baby Dedications & Memorials Deacon Clifton Campbell, Finance Sis. Edna Capers, Usher Ministry Sis. Vielka Chery, Tehillah Dance Ministry Sis. Lorraine Crichlow, Daughters of Zelophehad (Women’s Department) Pastor Jonathan Dale, Music Ministry Deaconess Lesma De Silva, Visitation Ministry Sis. Maria Dehaney, Care Ministry Bro. Les Francis, Media Ministry Major Mark Franklin, Ambassadors for Christ Sis. Judy Frazer, E.D. Garnes Ministry Deaconess Lucrecia Gayle, Missions Ministry
It is time to become married to the Vision of this house, given by God to me, your Shepherd for you. You speak what you believe. God spoke the earth and the heavens into existence, the apostles preached Jesus and the early church grew. Are you Exhorting Jesus?
Sis. Nicole Grant-Adams, TOP Development Corporation Sis. Lisa Howerton, Heaven’s Little Angels & C.L.I.U. Steppers Sis. Natasha Hyde, Champion Children of Christ Min. Olivia LaShombae, Jethro Ministry Deacon Michael Norris, Administrative Assistant Sis. Patricia Price, Bishop’s Cabinet Sis. Carolyn Rayside, Audio Department Sis. Victoria Roberts, Publications
We put action to words to ensure what we feel is important gets done. Is it not even the more for the Lords House? (Haggai 1 & 2) Having faith in the Vision is great, works to perfect that faith and build the Vision is even greater. Your father-in-God,
Sis. Janelle Rollocks-Flinch, Youth Dancers (VIRTUE) Sis. Cheryl Springer, Christian Education Deacon Errol Sutherland, Maintenance and Interim Director of Temple Security Deaconess Velda Sutherland, Discipleship (Follow-Up Ministry) Bro. Lennon Turner, Men’s Fellowship CONTACTING TOP CATHEDRAL 1274 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY (Bet. Ave. D and Foster Ave.) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30089, Brooklyn, NY 11203-0089 Telephone: (718) 451-2143 Fax: (718) 451-5524
Bishop Eric D. Garnes, D.Min., MPS Senior Pastor
E-mail: administration@topcathedral.org Website: www.topcathedral.org
JULY 2009 GREETINGS FROM BISHOP ERIC GARNES 1 BIBLE AFFIRMATION AFIRMACIÓN DE LA BIBLIA TRADUCIDA EN ESPAÑOL TOP VISION
3
Are you naked without 3 4 – 13
JAMMIN' 4 JESUS
4
PRAYER CONCLAVE
5
CELEBRATE SUMMER
6
CAN HE SUPPORT ME?
8
John or are you always clothed in the greatest designer, Jesus Christ? Page 12
NAKED
12
THE SERVICE OF AN USHER
16
SERVICE OF INSTALATION
18
SUPPORT OUR BISHOP
19
MANNA FROM HEAVEN
21
DOZ ANNIVERSARY
22
Stay CONNECTED, submissions for Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral’s magazine are welcomed. Send your submissions to
publications@topcathedral.org Publications Ministry reserves the right to be selective.
JULY 2009 CONNECTED 2
Prada, Gucci or Sean
THIS IS MY BIBLE
This is my Bible I am what it says I am, I can do what it says I can do I am a believer not a doubter, I walk by faith and not by sight So today I commit to do ALL that my Bible says for me to do In Jesus name Amen
Ésta es mi Biblia Soy lo que dice que soy, Puedo hacer lo que dice que puedo hacer, Soy un creyente, no un escéptico, Ando por la fe y no por vista Así que hoy cometo para hacer TODO que mi biblia dice para mí hacer En el nombre de Jesús Amen JULY 2009 CONNECTED 3
Friday, July 24th - Sunday, July 26th 2009 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds” 2 Cor. 10:4 July 24th – 7:00pm-10:00pm: YOUTH PRAISE RALLY Location: Tabernacle of Praise (Cathedral) - 1274 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY Activity: Live Gospel DJ along with Guest Ministries (choirs/liturgical dancers/mimes etc.) and Heaven’s Angels, Virtue, Son’s of Judah to name a few! July 25th – 12:00pm-3:00pm: SPEAK OUT Location: TOP Civic Center - 1098-1100 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Activity: Open forum/discussion on topics selected by youth with a guest panel (light refreshments served) July 26th – 7:30am & 11:00am: WORSHIP SERVICE Location: Tabernacle of Praise (Cathedral) - 1274 Utica Ave., Brooklyn, NY Guest Speaker: Pastor Frank T. Robinson
OF TABERNACLE OF PRAISE CATHEDRAL “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables; that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Changes Things P R AY E R C O N C L AV E Saturday, July 18th • 8:00am - 12:00 noon "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 NIV Servant/Leaders as we gather to pray, direct prayers to the following: 1. The strength and wisdom of God for Bishop Garnes as he continues to lead his FIRST LOVE, Tabernacle of Praise to the new cathedral. 2. The strength and wisdom of God for Bishop Garnes in his new office with the National Church – UCCC 3. The erecting and clear pathway toward the Cathedral – more giving 4. Continual increased growth in our church and worship services 5. Ministry leaders that will grow and step up to the plate with excellence in their work toward the Lord and the local ministry. 6. This years MFH-2009 Bishop
Our Father in Jesus’ name we will proclaim and herald the Vision of Tabernacle of Praise. We will uphold our Pastor’s hand like Aaron and Hur who lifted up the hands of Moses when they became weak. We declare that you are creator and Lord of all. The earth is the Lord’s
and the fullness thereof. There is none like you in heaven above, the earth below, or the waters under the earth. We declare that we are a people of strong, firm and concrete belief in our faith in Jesus Christ. We have the abilJULY 2009 CONNECTED 5
m u S e t a r b e l Ce
r e m
Sis. Daphne Noreiga It’s Summer, its warm and we look forward to vacationing, barbecuing and all kinds of fun things with family and friends. Some of us cannot do these things this year but in these difficult times when our money is acting funny we have to endeavor to walk in the light of God’s prosperity. We are called to be Lenders and not Borrowers, so let us be good stewards of what we have now and allow the fond memories of the cruises and trips to suffice this year; until the credit card bills are paid off. Let us celebrate what we have and not dwell on what we have lost. ity to manifest and fulfill our goals. We will utilize our secular gifts to help benefit the business part of the church. We will stir up the gift that is within us (spiritually) to help express our love for God’s house and God’s people. JULY 2009 CONNECTED 6
We are a Bible believing body of people. We believe the power and manifesting of the Holy Ghost as the spirit of the Lord leads. The Holy Spirit has total preeminence over all our affairs. We believe, acknowledge and declare Jesus is Lord of Tabernacle of Praise. We are a dy-
It is Summer, the favorite season of the year But sadly it’s tainted with worry and fear In times gone by there was laughter and fun We enjoyed ourselves until the day was done It is an anxious and difficult time for some As it is still uncertain what is yet to come Vacations and adventures are put on hold As we look at possessions that will be sold In spite of what the world believes today We the blood washed are called to pray Our God has never failed us yet We have the victory and our future is set Celebrate the warmth of the sun on your face As we embrace each day at life’s own pace The days come and they quickly go by The hours and the minutes just seem to fly Let us celebrate Summer in spite of the need We can sit in the park to relax and read We don’t have to travel many miles you see Just do things at home with our family Celebrate Summer and the Maker of the season Re-connect with friends without any reason There is hope in adversity as it brings us together To restore the faith of a sister or brother
namic supernatural people. We declare miracles in our lives and that we will be in good health and prosperous. We shall be the head and not the tail. We shall lend and not borrow.
become Biblically educated. The Word is the focus, prayer is the key, praise is our expression and love is our aim. We seek to help one another to the best of our ability.
We declare for this congregation, we will
Our goals and dreams are a full-time JULY 2009 CONNECTED 7
Can He Support Me?
Words from Pastor Jamal Harrison-Bryant: I often warn women who are contemplating marriage to marry someone who can take care of them. When a woman marries, it ought to be to someone who is capable of taking her to the next level. If she comes from poverty, there is no reason for her to get married and still be impoverished. The role of the man is to take her to another place. ministry that can assist the parishioners, as well as employ members. We seek to “shake up� the community where we worship. We declare that we will make an impact on the young boys and girls of this millennium. Our children shall grow to be lawyers, doctors, teachers, pasJULY 2009 CONNECTED 8
tors, evangelists. They shall hold the faith with a pure conscience and declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. We declare drug addiction will not touch our children. Our young men and women shall hold their God given identities. They shall dream, dreams and prophesy. All things of evil
When she gets married, she ought to dress better, drive better, live better, and eat better, not constantly be in a struggle over where her next meal is coming from. My grandmother used to say, ‘I can do bad all by myself. For a woman desiring a mate, the objective, of course, would be to find a Christian man, who’s settled, has goals, accomplishments and a job. But a goal-oriented and focused man can’t just be approached any kind of way. So the woman who seeks this type of stability must make sure that he stands out above the crowd: 1. Make sure your relationship with the Lord is strong and growing. 2. Make sure that you are presentable. Working from the inside out, your presentation should be representative of both who you are and whom you seek. Appearance is a reflection of how you see yourself. 3. Have the ability to hold an intelligent conversation. 4. And most importantly, allow the Holy Ghost to take control. You don’t need to go after him. He’s going to come after you, because after he sees and smells you and knows that you’re in his presence, he’s going to want to know who you are! I know there’s somebody reading this who has been chasing after the "man of your dreams," but God says, "Just sit still and allow patience to have her perfect work through Me." Furthermore, it’s never a good idea to be too forward and too aggressive. Attempting to win a man’s affection by jumping into bed with him shall be trampled under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. We declare that we are a praising and worshipping church. A people whose praise creates such a stir in the heavenliness, that God lovingly descends to
inhabit the high, high, high praises we offer up. We confess that we are a love practicing church. We love one another beyond the world’s boundaries of race, social status, political and economic status. We are a people of one mind and one body in Christ. JULY 2009 CONNECTED 9
will only backfire and cause him to lose interest in ever developing a lasting relationship. It causes him to lose respect for you and question your character. However, if he sees that you are dressed with quality, that you smell like you are somebody, that you look like you’re doing fine without him, then that will attract the right attention from him. He’ll have no choice but to give you his attention. Stop looking so needy, climbing into bed, trying in vain to capture a man’s heart. God woke me up in the middle of the night and said, "The same thing that Naomi told Ruth to do is the same thing that I want them to do for me." God is so sick of saints coming to Him trying to get a quickie and never romancing Him for Who he is - going to church screaming, shouting and hollering, but hadn’t been intimate with God all week long! Stop trying to treat God like a sugar daddy and start romancing Him with worship and praise: "I’m yours Lord...everything I’ve got...everything I’m not!" The God we serve, which is the God of love, demands and requires of us foreplay before He gives us what we need. In the book of Ruth, the mother-in-law tells Ruth, "You have to wash." John 15:3 reminds us, now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. When you We declare and confess that we are a church of strong families. We believe in the institution of marriage established by God. Therefore we rebuke the spirit of divorce in our congregation. We declare no shortage of men in this worship place. We rebuke dysfunctional families and JULY 2009 CONNECTED 10
single parent dilemmas in Jesus’ name. Finally, we thank you, for the operation of the five-fold ministry: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers along with a rising number of Christian workers to serve this growing congregation that
sit in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are taking a shower. When you hear the unadulterated Word of God, then the dirt and grime that you’ve accumulated all week long begins to wash off of you. Ask God to "create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit." Stand in the word. Then wait upon the Lord to renew your strength. Pass this on to those who have found or are seeking Mr. Right. This message is not directed at the receiver, it is directed to women I know that touch other young women that can benefit from this information. We are to be Naomi’s of the world today. Our young women need to be informed of how to catch and keep a man that will respect them. "If he can’t meet you where you are...leave him where he’s at" "Every Saint Has a Past, Every Sinner Has A Future"
will be 10,000 PLUS MEMBERS STRONG. We salute you as King of kings and Lord of lords, Our Jehovah Jireh, our Jehovah Rapha, our El Shaddai. You are Lord!
be fulfilled!
Therefore, let the church shout hallelujah, we have the victory and our vision shall JULY 2009 CONNECTED 11
Naked
By Moniquea McCean
JULY 2009 CONNECTED 12
When I am without covering it shows who I am. That means my sin is evident, innumerable as sand. Will you take advantage of my vulnerability? My nakedness increases my susceptibility To those things that are enemies of God That I use as my clothing and my façade. After all is said and done And after I’ve had all my fun Will I be counted amongst the just? Or judged because of my lust? See, my reward is not here on earth So while I’m here its Christ I must put first. Because when I’m naked it is Christ I must see Just as with clothes, in Christ I must be. We can hide nothing from God’s eyes. From our innermost parts nothing is in disguise. Lord tell me what it is that you see. Lord who is it that I should be? What is hiding behind this dress? What is the purpose of this test? I’m trying so hard to maneuver through this mess And find peace in the comfort of your rest. If I am to be just like you JULY 2009 CONNECTED 13
Then expose the ungodliness that sticks to me like glue. What is it that is being burnt in the fire? I want my will to be parallel to your heavenly desires. So when I’m naked Lord, clothe me But not with fine linens, only with what your spirit sees. Clothe me in the righteousness that is counted to me by faith. Dress me with the love to pass on your mercy and grace. Does my bareness disgrace you? Then when I am naked, why are the people so few? Does my nakedness mirror their innermost being? Is the reality of mine why they catch themselves fleeing? If I take off the disgrace that’s hiding behind this lace I am confident that then I can see God’s face. For there is no condemnation to those abiding in Christ My spiritual clothes were paid with the price of his life. Then how come I don’t know who I am? When I’m naked I’m a man with no plan. No path of my own because it is Christ I must follow And He’s promised me on this path would be no sorrow. He’s promised me a life next to the healing waters As salvation has given us the right to be His sons and daughters. JULY 2009 CONNECTED 14
Lord I’m naked, what do you see? Lord I’m naked, who shall I be? I’m not the tail that I used to be Because your sacrifice set me free. Then why am I judged for the sins of my past? When I’m naked Lord, your people, they laugh. They tell me I’m of no use in the kingdom As if in my nakedness I have no wisdom. They quiet my voice when I’m too loud in the temple Because I’m not afraid of exposing their false examples. Should I cover up? If yes, then with what? What should I wear? To alleviate their stares? When I’m naked and I feel alone I bypass the clothes and its Christ I put on.
JULY 2009 CONNECTED 15
The Service of an Usher
The church usher is a servant first and foremost. The usher is the initial representative of the Church, which is seen by visitors and members. An usher serving the people is really serving Jesus himself. We are doorkeepers in the house of God. The love of Christ must be displayed by the usher, which will allow the people, to not only see Christ, but feel Him through them. The ushers set the tone of the church by welcoming the visitors, helping them during the service, and caring for them. (Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors, Proverbs 8:34, NKJV) It is important that as a servant, that ushers have a close relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship will enable an usher to be more like Christ and in turn, allowing Christ’s spirit to reside within them. Ushers are a critical part of the church service. We are here to enhance the worship experience by keeping order and control over movement, talking and disruptions. An Usher can be most effective in their duties by applying the lessons that Jesus taught us, patience, gentleness, love and humility. (You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for Matthew 5:7; the Message). We are blessed to be able to be a Blessing to the visitors and members of this house.
The Usher Ministry of Tabernacle of Praise JULY 2009 CONNECTED 17
Please join us for a Service of Installation of
Bishop Eric Daniel Garnes to the office of Presiding Bishop of United Covenant Church of Christ on Friday, October 30, 2009 7:00PM at The Elim International Fellowship 20 Madison Avenue (Classon and Fr anklin Avenues) Brooklyn, New York 11238
Support Our Bishop As he ministers on Monday, July 27, 2009 7:00PM – 10:00PM at Bronx Pentecostal's Annual Tent Revival Bronx, NY
Join the Tabernacle of Pr aise Cathedr al Family at the Annual Manna From Heaven's Seed Sowers Breakfast on Saturday, August 29, 2009 10:00AM - 2:00PM at TOP Civic Center 1098 Utica Avenue (between Beverly and Clarendon Roads) Brooklyn, NY 11203 Donoation: $30.00 Guest Speaker: Pastor Tyrone Stevenson hope Christian Center, Brookly, NY
Invite Your Friends and Family To Celebrate With Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral, Ambassadors For Christ and Champion Children of Christ as we present the 1st Family Picnic on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Lake Compounce Bus departs 7:00AM from 1274 Utica Ave. Bklyn, NY
Are You Tired? Worn Out? Burned Out On Religion?
On Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:30AM and 11:00AM
Come get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. The Daughters of Zelophehad (DOZ) the Women's Department of Tabernacle of Praise (Cathedral) invite you to discover your permission to exhale (Matthew 11:28-30) as we celebrate DOZ's anniversary. As a symbol of unity join us in shades of yellow to “sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve neer been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” – Mark Twain Seed Toward The Building Find – $100.00
Tabernacle of Praise (Cathedral) Invites You to Sail Aboard The
For Our 2009 Exotic Family Cruise In the Western Caribbean Enjoy the warm waters of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Isla Roatan • Belize • Cozumel, Mexico Departing Miami, FL on August 16, 2009 This 7-Day cruise is not just your opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy Caribbean cuisine but it will raise funds for Tabernacle of Praise's Cathedral. For rates and availability please contact Bro. Alex Campbell (718) 451-2143 or (347) 403-3524 via email at Lexfermina@aol.com
536 Sterling Place Corner of Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 Tel (718) 399−2500 • Fax (718) 399−2565 E-mail info@frankrbellfh.com Website www.frankrbellfh.com PROVIDING PERSONALIZED SERVICES 24 HOURS A DAY. BEAUTIFUL, BRAND NEW, LARGE CAPACITY CHAPELS AND OTHER FACILITIES; CREMATIONS, PRE-ARRANGEMENTS, WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
“50 Years of servicing all faiths with dedicated care and professionalism through a vision of excellence”
FAITH SPEAKS
The Word of God Promises that you can have whatever you say in Faith. – St. Mark 11: 23, 24 If you desire a breakthrough in your finances, make the following word based confessions daily and speak your financial prosperity into existence today! •
In the name of Jesus, I declare that God’s desire for me is to prosper financially.
•
I possess the power to seize wealth, and lay hold on my covenant right to be free from bondage to debt, lack and insufficiency.
•
Abundance, prosperity and the good life are mine.
•
I speak to the mountain of circumstances and command it be removed from my life now!
•
God is my Source; He is the God of breakthrough.
•
Therefore, by faith I declare that this is my receiving day and year of financial breakthrough!
•
I will give God what belongs to Him, His tithe–it’s not mine to begin with.
•
I will give the Lord an offering, to move His heart towards me.
•
I will discipline my spending and watch the miracles of God in my finances.
•
I declare this in Jesus name!
Where we are...
Where we are going
A PUBLICATION OF TABERNACLE OF PRAISE CATHEDRAL
JULY 2009
JAMMIN’ 4
JESUS
Waging War Permission To Exhale Wade in the Water NAKED
Celebrate Summer The Service of an Usher Dying To Live