CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY FLORIDA STATE OFFICE! SEP FEB

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1 Sunshine News INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 1-2 STATE OVERSEER 3-6 STAFF NEWS 7 CHURCH NEWS 13 STATE CALENDAR Bishop R.F. Davis, State Overseer From the Overseerʼs Desk... Greetings to all our churches and membership across the great state of Florida. To many of us, this season of worship and refreshment is a very special time of the year. As I sit here writing, I realize we have already enjoyed the special holiday of Thanksgiving. It s absolutely wonderful that we live in a nation that has a holiday set aside specifically to make us aware of our many blessings; a holiday that actually has the focus of causing us to reflect on all our many blessings. When you consider how people in other parts of the world and even in some places right here in the United States, struggle just having enough to eat, our hearts are humbled and flooded with true gratitude for all the Lord s done for us. And to further complement this, we have only 33 days from Thanksgiving to a holiday especially set aside to recognize the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As this year s progressed several major events have unfolded. We ve seen our world maybe at it s best and at it s worse at the same time. But to me one of the more important things I ve seen developing this year, is the role our church has taken in working to align itself with what we consider to be the core values of our faith. They are Prayer, Harvesting and Church Planting, and Mentoring those new in the faith. As I ve visited ministers across the state, there seems to be an emerging passion for the harvest. Ministers from the southern tip of the state to the northeastern and northwestern are expressing a greater focus and passion for entering the harvest. I ve reminisced how that for the last two years the Church of God of Prophecy in the state of Florida has began the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting. This special time was entirely focused on consecrating ourselves for service and seeking direction from God as we begin our year.

2 To further complement this time of prayer and fasting, we set aside the weekend following for a special Prayer Conference. This year, it will be held at our state campground, Dan Brown Hill Road, Brooksville FL, on Saturday, the 26th of January. With our world s population now in excess of 7 billion people, the words of Jesus in Mark the 4th chapter and verse 35 were never truer. Jesus said, Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And in Matthew the 9th chapter verses 37 & 38 we hear our Lord expressing the ever-increasing weight he felt and feels now about urgency of the harvest. He said, 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. I want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to begin now making plans to include God in all your plans for the coming year. You could do this by starting your year with the 21 days of prayer and fasting and then uniting with men and women from all over the state in a special day of prayer and fellowship at our annual Prayer Conference. Further let me encourage everyone to have a wonderful, loving and rich Christmas. We never know what tomorrow holds, so lets, make this Christmas one of our best. Gather with your family and friends and make it a point to give true emphasis to the real meaning of this special holiday. It s all about LOVE. A love so rich and so free. A love void of any selfishness, wanting only what s best for us. Today we live because He came. Today we live because our heavenly Father loved us so much that he gave his only begotten Son. I think it s most appropriate for me to conclude with the words of our Lord in St John chapter 3, verses 16 & For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. This is truly the greatest gift ever given to man. FLORIDA SUNSHINE NEWS JUNE 2012-AUGUST 2012 Edition Volume 42 Issue 3&4 The Church of God of Prophecy State Offices P.O. Box Winter Garden, FL Florida Sunshine News (USPS ) is the official quarterly publication of the Church of God of Prophecy State Office located at 855 South Dillard Street in Winter Garden, Florida Periodicals postage paid in Winter Garden, Florida. Send address changes to: Florida Sunshine News P.O. Box Winter Garden, FL R.F. Davis Editor Joe Dotson Assistant Editor NEXT DEADLINE For all News Articles February 1, 2013 Send submissions to: SunshineNews@flcogop.com

3 Greetings Florida Youths, Matthew declares Let your light so shine before man that they may see your good work and glorify your father which is in heaven." On behalf of my wife, our family, and the State Youth Team, I wish for you all the abundant peace and joy marked by the celebration of our Savior's birth this Christmas, and a hope for a New Year filled with new works of God's hands. As I cross our beautiful state, meeting youth and youth leaders alike I am encouraged that the Light of God is at work, and that there is a generation poised for leading a revival as never before! Local Church Visits On August 8, 2012 D2Y Youth Ministry held a three night revival with Pastor Timothy Johnson, International Youth Director of the Bahamas. Aretha and I were happy to worship with D2Y Youth and listen to the word as Pastor Tim encouraged the youth. August 10, 2012 Glorious COGOP Youth Ministry held its youth explosion with the focus are you a fan or follower? The youths shared their gifts and talents through song, dance and the word. We want to say thanks to Glorious Youth Leaders for their warm welcome and generous hospitality they showed us. Thanks Pastor Simon for having us, we look forward to worshipping with you. August 11, 2012 we were privileged to attend a workshop with Bishop Trevor Reid, COGOP International Youth Director, held at the Delray Beach Haitian COGOP. It was a pleasure worshipping with Pastor Luc and his congregation. Team Up Conference September 20 23, 2012 We had an awesome time at the team up conference. This conference focused on evangelizing the community, developing leaders, growing healthy churches, and strengthening the family. I love the Church of God of Prophecy and the direction we are heading. Thank God for fresh vision and our leaders who are obeying God's command. On September 7th & 8th we gathered with youth leaders from Jacksonville to Homestead at Camp Sonshine for our Youth Leaders Retreat. Wow! It is exciting to see the passion our youth leaders actively posses for the youth of today! I beg of you youth leaders, whether you had the chance to make it to the Retreat or not, please continue to seek more of God, the support of your church, and call on the resources you have available (state team included), as you vigorously fulfill the call God gave you to reach and equip our youths. Many thanks to our State Overseer for his challenging word on Friday night of the Retreat, and a special thanks to Pastor Bevis for assisting us with great food for the weekend! This year our team has been working with Bro Walter Cooper to make some awesome changes to our State Teen Talent! Watch out Florida...The Arising is here!!! Already in Regions 1 and 3 we have had entries for the Regional level of the competition, and soon Regions 2 and 4 will join the race! The Arising State Talent Search culminates on May 4, 2013 at the State Campground where the winners

4 from the Regional competitions will vie for the State Trophy! We can't wait to see all the great talent God's graced us with in this state! Rounding off our Regional Youth Celebrations will be Region 2 on January 4th & 5th at Auburndale, and Region 4 on January 18th & 19th at Jacksonville. Word of Encouragement I want to encourage you to continue allowing the Holy Spirit light up your life that you may continue lighting up the dark. Blessings, Joshua R. Caley Sr. Florida State Youth Director Praise the Lord for the two wonderful revivals I just came from, Gainesville (Pastor Willis) and De Leon Springs (Pastor Chandler). God showed up in a mighty way! Yesterday morning I spoke at Brooker. There was one saved, four new members added to the church and five baptized! Pastor Rogers is being led of God to bring the church to a new level. I am excited to see how God is pouring His Spirit out across Florida! I feel so privileged to see His hand moving all over the land. As Florida's full-time State Evangelist, I would love to come to your church for a revival. I also do Ladies Night Out, a fun filled time when we as ladies get together, let our hair down and laugh! A merry heart is great for the body and soul. Kay Osban

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7 Church News Chipley, Pastor Bryant Ernest Dupree We have been really b u s y! F r o m M a y ' s homecoming, The Woods family sharing beautiful music and sharing God's word to honoring our veterans and Thomas Hallman as a ROTC member. We had 4 g r a d u a t e s f r o m d i f f e r e n t a r e a s o f learning, a CNA, a Beautician, a Firefighter and a M e d i c a l Transcriptionist. We had two youth who went to camp this year along with three workers. This has really fired our desire to do more for our Lord! August 5th. we held our first annual Senior Citizen Celebration to honor our Seniors. Hopefully this is just the first of an ongoing yearly celebration. Our youth visit the Chipley Hospital's 3rd floor to sing to the patients once a month and they are w e l l r e c e i v e d b y all. The patients really looks forward to each visit.

8 Church News Cocoa, Pastor Marion Bumgarner Shalom, greetings in the name of our Lord. We have been greatly blessed by His presence in song, worship and teaching of the Word of God. We recently added a new member to our congregation. Every 4th Saturday we have Friendship and Fellowship Day. Sometimes other congregations join in with us. We have singing, preaching and food and we start at 4:00 pm. We rejoice in The Lord daily as we lift our hands in praise and thanksgiving for His love, and that we have heard the truth of His Word. Jacksonville Mandarin, Pastor George Sedwick We celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day on Sunday, October 28, with a wonderful program honoring our Pastor. The day included a special guest Praise Team, The Anointed Ones, who filled the sanctuary with their voices lifted in worshipful song, followed with a welcome from our Childrenʼs Church and a skit delivered by the Mandarin Youth Group. Paul Watkins, our guest speaker ministered to a congregation of about 75 attendees. A special love offering was given to our Pastor and a delicious spread of food was enjoyed in our gym following the services. After a day filled with spiritual and physical food everyone was declared filled and running over. Special thanks to all who planned, decorated, spoke, sang, acted, cooked, set up food, and cleaned up. Lake Mary, Pastor Loretta Milwood He guides us along right paths, bringing honor to his name. PSALM 23:3 To: Our State Offices and local churches: My family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all of the love, gifts, kindness and thoughtful gestures that have been bestowed upon us during this time of bereavement. Words cannot express how much we thank you for the expressions of sympathy, and all the help you provided us during our moment of sorrow. We are truly grateful for your fellowship and support. May the Lord keep you blessed. Miami #1, Pastor Noward Dean The Seniors Ministries Department held its annual Seniorʼs Day program on September 22, 2012, theme, Great is Thy Faithfulness. Dinner was provided at the conclusion of the service. Our Family Ministries Department held its 1 st Family Life Conference on September 27, 28, and 30, 2012; the theme was Changing Times, Changing Families, Same God. We had special presenters from our community who shared with our church family and friends, valuable information with topics such as Texting While Driving, Identity Theft & Mortgage Fraud, Health Issues stress, and Substance Abuse. The culmination of our conference ended with a word coming from Sis. Rebecca Pratt-Britt, member of the Hallandale Beach

9 Church News COGOP. The message was dynamic and inspirational. As our families and life situations are changing, we can be assured that God is still the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Also, during the month of September the Family Ministries Dept. was in charge of Sunday morning prayer meeting for five Sundays. A special prayer meeting was held on Sept. 26 at 8:00am 10am with 36 in attendance. God blessed us for our sacrifice of giving of our time to meet Him in prayer at the altar. The Sunday School Dept. held its annual Talent Rally with a group of talented Sunday School students displaying their talents such as piano selections, violin instrumental, skits, solos, ensembles and more. We praise God for the talent of our Sunday school students. The theme was Celebrating: The Gift of Talents. We give God the glory for the great things he has done and is continuing to do at our local church. Miami 19th AVE, Pastor Errol Campbell We had a Harvest Thanksgiving Service, in which the children displayed their fruits and vegetables. After service, the members and friends purchased them. The theme was, God Still Gives the Increase. Our womenʼs ministries had Ladies in White and Men in Black on October 14th. On the 28th of October, we had our Family and Friends Day. The theme was, As For Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Our Pastor preached an anointed message. The Hanes and Richardsons had the most in attendance having 28. The Dell Capron family had the most offering with $200. They were presented with tropies. In October, we appreciated our Pastor Errol and Lady Valary Campbell with phone calls, cards, and flowers. The menʼs ministries and some of the members took our Pastor to Dave and Busterʼs game room and had a night of fun and fellowship. On November 4th, we had our appreciation celebration. We had tributes from the family and grandchildren. All of the auxiliaries and pastoral care leaders gave tributes, poems, songs and words of encouragement. A special tribute in dance was given by Christian Brown, to the song I Wonʼt Complain. They were presented with monetary gifts. Our theme was, I Will Give You Pastor After Godʼs Own Heart, and Seek God in Prayer (Jeremiah 3:15 and Isaiah 38:16). Our guest speaker was Minister Joshua Caley, Sr. It was a powerful message. After service, some of the sisters prepared a delicious meal for the family. We really love our Pastor and his family. Miami Ridgeway, Pastor Eustace Clark Vacation Bible School was held August with a weekly combined total of 336 in attendance. The theme "Adventures of Promise Island Where Kids Discover God's Life Saving Love" was adequately presented to five classes, preschool through adult. Included in VBS were classroom studies, arts and crafts, outdoor play and good food. On Saturday, August 19, Sis. Lela Humphrey, VBS director, joined with two affairs as the ending of VBS; the back-toschool community give-away and the 'Claim the City, Claiming our Lives' outdoor concert. The outdoor stage was donated by Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, who encouraged the students by giving the benefits of staying in school. Advice to students was also given by "The First 48 Hours" TV team. Notable musicians, singers and performers participated. This affair was under the supervision of youth directors Germa and Hanson Clarke. Tracts were also distributed. Three candidates were given the right hand of fellowship on September 17. The

10 Church News Mission Crusade was held under the theme 'Walking in the Spirit'. In-house minister, Erick Pigatt, adequately expounded the word from Text: Matthew 1 and 21. Pastor Appreciation was held during the month of October under the theme 'It's A Family Affair'. Moderator Kathy Sagesse, distributed topics for each Sunday morning's presentation. 'We are One', and 'Sister to Sister' were among the topics. Bishop Clarke and First Lady, Emily Clarke were showered with many gifts and accolades. They were also given a trip to Sanibel Island. Ocoee, Pastor Ronald Bates May - Sis Bates made each lady a special gift and they were very nice. The church gave Bro. Bates a glass top for his desk $252.00, and presented him with a check for $ The Carter Family was with us in a sing. June - we had a yard sale and it brought in over $1,000. Drs. Jerry & Karen Dotson were with us for a class on How to Grow a Church. Sis Bates gave each father a father's day gift. We had 10 of our children & a worker to go to Youth camp. July - Our Ladies went to Apopka for a tea day and we enjoyed a good time together. The Children's Church director gave away a 3 foot bear for a contest. We had a church dinner for a couple of our dear saints who are moving to the state of Michigan. The overseer of Cuba, Bro Moices Hernandez & his wife Sis. Elizabel Hernandez (the parents of Sis Libnis Lazo), the Apopka church, Bro. Jerry Chalk & Sis Lyana Chalk, and their son were with them. We were really blessed with their presence. We have had 4 saved and we thank the Lord for the souls turning their hearts to God. Dinah Winfree is teaching our Bible Study on Wednesday Nights and she is doing a great job. We had Friends & Family Day in September with over 100 people in attendance. There was a bounce house, water slide, dunk tank, lots of food and drinks. In October we had an 'Old Gospel Sing" with 120 in attendance. It was a great time with food and fellowship afterwards. We gave Sister Bates a birthday party with cake, ice cream and pizza. Our Ladiesʼ Day was a great success with Kay Osban as our guest speaker. The theme was "The Alabaster Box", Esther Hays was the director. As always our Fall Festival was so much fun. We had about 120 in attendance with lots of fun, food, and fellowship and a fun hayride afterwards. Punta Gorda, Pastor Dan Love The Lord is really blessing our church at Punta Gorda, Florida. In May, we had a fried chicken dinner fundraiser for general expenses. We raised $450. Praise the Lord. In June, we gave our Pastorʼs wife a surprise birthday party. We showered her with cards, gifts and love offerings. It was a great time of fellowship for all. Also, our ladies prepared breakfast for the men of our church, on Sunday, June 10th. There were thirty men present. It was a good time of fun and fellowship for our men. In July, our Childrenʼs Church leaders had a Back to School bash for our children, with food and games. The children had a great time. In August,

11 Church News we had a bake sale/auction for Missions. We raised $476. We had a great turnout for this event. Also, we had a pork loin dinner fundraiser for general expenses. We raised $ In September, we had a chicken dinner and Hee Haw Christian Comedy Show. District churches and some local churches were invited to this event. We had a great time of fun and fellowship. We raised $710 for general expenses. In October, we celebrated Pastorʼs Appreciation Month. We honored our Pastorʼs family with cards, flowers from the Ladies Ministries for our Pastorʼs wife, love offerings and some meals out. Also, our Annual Fall Festival will be held on October 31st. This is always a great time of fun and fellowship. We are truly thankful to the Lord for ALL of His blessing. We are expecting good things from the Lord this year!! Riviera Beach, Pastor Barbara Lynn We've had a very exciting and busy year. The Lord has really blessed us. We were honored to have the Walker Family with us in March. Their music and words of encouragement were great. The Youth Department put on a touching play Easter Sunday entitled "Our Redeemer Lives" which was written by one of the youth, Jeremy Johnson. The month of April was filled with many projects raising money for the youth to go to the Florida State Youth Conference. The most enjoyable project was a Spring Festival. There were lots of games, prizes, food and music. We were even visited by our State Youth Director, Joshua Caley and his family. On Mother's Day Valrie Drummond was honored Mother of the Year. She had been a member of the church for 40 years. However, in August we were saddened by her death. August was a month of weekend revivals. The first weekend was held by our Pastor Barbara Lynn, the second weekend was Scott Nelson from Okeechobee. The third weekend was Chuck House and the final weekend was Roy Peek. There was lots of good preaching and singing. The Lord really blessed the church. September 8th, Ladies in South Florida gathered at the Okeechobee church for a day of music, preaching and good food. Pastor Barbara Lynn was the director for this event. She wants to thank everyone at the Okeechobee church and everyone else that helped her make this day a success. There were about 100 in attendance. Winter Garden Southside, Pastor J. V. Sullivan In May, on Mother's Day, 127 attended with all mothers honored. Special honor was given to First Lady, Sister Sullivan, who became "Queen for the Day." She was adorned with a tiara and sash, received a bouquet of roses, and showered with gifts. The children also dedicated a special dance to their mothers/grandmothers. In June, on Father's Day, 110 attended with all fathers honored. The children presented a dance & Pastor Sullivan was honored with a special gift. Seventeen attended Youth Camp and one was saved. We had a ceremony for two of our high school graduates. Two joined the

12 Church News church. Homegoing services were held for our beloved, Brother C.B. Williford and Sister Lessie Murphy. In July, our Ladies' Ministry sponsored a Back-to-School Drive. Children's Church has a new facility. We are praising God for the healing of Sister Sullivan's eye! In August, the Children's Ministry sponsored Kids' J.A.M. (Jesus And Me), a day of fun and learning for the children with 106 in attendance. In September, Robert Murkerson, Missionary to the Philippines, was special guest speaker on a Sunday morning. In October, the Missions Department presented an evening of "Stepping Across the Waves to Harvest" World Mission Concert, to raise funds to support the Philippines in building a new school. Featured guests were singer/songwriter, Dennis Wilson, and Robert Murkerson. One hundred twenty-five attended with $2,000 raised in offering and $1,100 in pledges. Dennis Wilson taught a 3-week Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study on defining, living, & protecting your purpose. Our local church hosted the Mini Convention with State Overseer, Bishop Robert Davis, bringing the message. Pastor Appreciation Month was celebrated in honoring Pastor & Sister Sullivan with cards, gifts, "Pack the Pastor's Pantry," a grill, dinners, and the list goes on. In November, we had a beautiful day for our annual church picnic filled with outdoor worship, food, games, & even an actual pony for the kids to ride. It was a fun time for all with 160 in attendance. Family Fest May 4, 2013 Camp Sonshine 9:00am - 3:00pm Make plans to attend for a day of food, fun and fellowship!

13 FLORIDA CALENDAR EVENTS Youth Leader s Retreat September 7 & 8, 2012 State Campground TeamUp Conference Northeast September 20-23, 2012 New Haven, Connecticut TeamUp Conference Midwest October 31-November 3, 2012 Overland Park, Kansas Pastoral Family Month (In conjunction with National Clergy Month) Month of October Children s Conference (International) October 14 16, 2012 Fayetteville, NC World Mission Drive Entire Month of October Mini Conventions (Mini Conventions & Minister Convention has been combined) Central Florida: Southside Winter Garden - October 26th South Florida: Miami # 1 - October 27 th North West Florida: Tallahassee Dade Street November 9 th North East Florida: Jacksonville Westside November 10 th Cultivate Women s Conference November 2 3, 2012 State Campground Florida Prayer Conference 2013 January 26, 2013 State Campground 9am to 3pm District Camp Meetings (Consult District Overseers for Places and Times) District 3 January District 9 March 8-9 District 2 January 31 February 2 District 4 March District 14 February 7 9 District 10 March District 1 February District 7 TBA District 12 February District 8 TBA District 5 February District 11 TBA District 6 March 1 2 District 13 TBA World Mission Drive Entire Month of March

14 Golden Agers Reunion 2012 April 4 6, 2013 State Campground Ladies Spring Event April 26 27, 2013 Family Fest May 4, 2013 State Campground State Youth Conference TBA Florida State Youth Camp 2013 Dates Senior Ages 15 & Up Intermediate Ages Junior Ages 7-11 Hot Shot Ages 5-7 TBA Camp Directors: Shellie Creasy Sandy & Barbara Gamble David & Gia Roberts Rodney & Christina Bevis Hot Shot Junior Intermediate Senior 2013 Florida State Convention August 1 4, 2013 Orlando World Resort Marriott World Center Drive, Orlando, FL Men s Conference August 23-24, 2013 State Campground Minister s Conference State Campground TBA Ladies Fall Event November 8-9, 2013 Regional Celebrations/State Teen Talent 2013: Region 1 Location > Delray Beach November 9 10, 2012 Region 3 Location > TBA November 16 17, 2012 Region 2 Location > Auburndale January 4 5, 2013 Region 4 Location > Jacksonville Westside January 18 19, 2013