A message from the Bishop

Transcription

1 Issue 3 Embracing the Challenge of the Cross! Summer 2011 A message from the Bishop Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ rest with you. I m excited with the joy of Jesus over the way he has been stirring within P. A. W., Episcopal District 23. Bishop Samuel R. Moore Diocesan While I m convinced that throughout Christendom souls are being added on a daily basis, I ve consistently longed for it to occur in an area where I am a witness. Over the past few months several of our local pastors are reporting a refreshing wind of spiritual revival. From Johnson City to Parkersburg; from Williamson to Beckley and points between congregations are experiencing a renewed urgency for a direct infusion of the Holy Ghost power into their lives. Men and women are not satisfied with a powerless, hopeless, and rudderless voyage through the proverbial seas of life. They are seeking assurance that better days are coming. Happily, there remains among us a remnant that has an insatiable hunger and an unquenched thirst for righteousness. WVETNC Fall Youth Convention September Johnson City (TN) In our April council meeting we were blessed to witness at least two souls baptized with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. And our annual summer session was highly spirited. Now, we anticipate fostering an atmosphere in which others will be similarly quickened by the Spirit of God, while still others are restored to their former relationship with the Saviour; a relationship that has been strained by life s distractions. WVETNC Fall Convention October Gary & Bluefield (WV) I offer my encouragement to you as you recall the efforts that Jesus made to rescue each of his loved ones from the destructive assaults of his adversary. At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there, by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy...

2 WEST VIRGINIA & EAST TENNESSEE CHURCH ATTENDEES ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS District 23 is happy to recognize the graduation of several of our young people from educational institutions in Each church in the district was asked to provide names of recent graduates from their respective congregations. Graduates at Greater Mt. Zion Pre-K Graduates at Midway Shiloh Temple The 2011 High School and College graduates are: Bethel Apostolic Temple (Knoxville) Tameka Hairston Tennessee School of Beauty Certificate of Cosmetology Tiffaney Kyle Pellissippi State Community College (A.S.) Applied Science LaTreena Mobley Goodwill Industries Certified Nursing Certificate Dionne Preston The Art Institute (Nashville) (B.F.A.) Interior Design MyTisha Hamilton GTCC Middle College of High Point Deyonna Joyce Lucy B. Ragsdale High School Isaac Mobley West High School Taylor Warren Harden Valley Academy Christ Temple (Williamson) Nekah Fouch National College (Pikeville, KY) (A.S.) Medical Assisting Angela Patton National College (Pikeville, KY) (A.S.) Pharmacy Anthony Strothers Belfry (KY) High School Walter Wilder Williamson High School Cierra Lovett Williamson High School Church of our Lord Jesus (Johnson City) Marcus Johnson-Watterson Science Hill High School Full Gospel Assembly (Huntington) Donald Jones, II Marshall University (M.A.) Counseling Grace Mmworia Marshall University (M.A.) Psychology Marlita Cadogan Marshall University (B.S.) Biological Sciences (list continued on page 7)

3 From the Chairman s Seat Greetings in the name of Jesus! It is truly an honor and an esteemed privilege to be able to connect with you in prayer and faith as we move forward in the work of the Lord in this year of District Elder Thomas Moore District 23 Chairman As summer turns to fall, I encourage you all to enjoy the beautiful sunshine, have fun, spend family time together, and most of all take time out to thank God for life, health and strength. Our July Council meeting brought us great fellowship with the saints of God. Let's continue to unite in prayer for our Bishop and the Bishop s Council. Let us all support the vision God has given him for the West Virginia and East Tennessee Council. Remember the theme "Embracing the Challenge of the Cross," because without the cross, where would any of us be, except lost? Because of the cross, Satan was defeated, humanity was blessed, and God was glorified. Be blessed in Jesus Name. DISTRICT USHER BOARD IS LOOKING TO EXPAND RANKS Special Meeting was held in Kingsport If you are a council member and are active on your local usher board and would like to help serve the district during upcoming conventions, please contact Brother Charles Locke either by (cklocke@nuclearfuelservices.com) or by phone ( ). The Usher Board met during the summer convention on Saturday July 16, 2011 to explore expansion. If you are interested in being a part of this awesome ministry, please feel free to join them! Prospects should be active in their local church, with the usher board there, and in good standing with your pastor. Charles Locke President District 23 Usher Board

4 DISTRICT 23 S MOTHER CHURCH APOSTOLIC TEMPLE TO HOST FALL 2011 DISTRICT CONVENTION Apostolic Temple in Gary (WV) will host the 2011 Fall Convention of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council, beginning Wednesday October 12. Apostolic Temple was the original church from which the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council was birthed. The Mother Church of the district joined the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1932 under the pastorate of Bishop Samuel J. Grimes, after several years under the banner of the Emmanuel Tabernacle organization. A legacy church that was the longtime District 23 headquarters, Apostolic Temple has produced four pentecostal Bishops (three P.A.W.; one New Destiny Fellowship), two renowned college professors, nationally-recognized business executives, several pastors, musicians, choir directors, authors, and an Associate Editor of the Christian Outlook (the PAW s official Magazine). Apostolic Temple also produced District 23 s first District Elder. Elder A.H. Callahan was named District Elder during Bishop Grimes pastorate. In the early years, Callahan led the church during periods of Bishop Grimes physical absence. Grimes, who lived in New York, simultaneously served as Presiding Bishop of the P.A.W. Apostolic Temple Gary, West Virginia The Apostolic Heralds were once a 30+ voice chorus that was the premier gospel choir in the region. The Heralds recorded two popular 45rpm sides in the early 1970s. The Apostolic Heralds The church has had five pastors since joining the P.A.W. -- Bishop Samuel J. Grimes, Elder (Bishop) Booker T. Jones, District Elder James Callahan, Suffragan Bishop John M. Hairston, and its current pastor Elder Kenny Brown. Bishop M.R. Gregory pastored the church when the congregation was affiliated with the Emmanuel Tabernacle organization, prior to Pastor Viola Shelton Redd, founder of Grace Temple, was saved in the early years at Apostolic Temple. She moved to Johnson City (TN), with her family, shortly afterwards. (continued on next page)

5 APOSTOLIC TEMPLE MEMORIES John M. Hairston, Jr. Cleveland (OH) Retired Corporate Executive Sunday School at Apostolic Temple was my favorite. But I didn't really appreciate it until I became an adult and embarked upon searching for a career. It was in Sunday school that I was taught the discipline of preparation. Those Saturday night and Sunday rituals became the examples needed to always be prepared for the mandates of the job world. As an African American we were taught to be overly prepared if we were to be successful. I still remember the Bible verses that I memorized, the speeches for Christmas and Easter, and the integrity that was built as my foundation for living that came from Sunday School. When I visit Gary, I always look to the Church that sits on the mountain that still is a beacon of Hope and has changed so many lives through its Pastoral leadership, brotherly love, and of course, its Sunday School Teachers. Rev. Leslie Callahan, Ph.D. Philadelphia (PA) Pastor and Former Princeton University Professor When I was growing up at Apostolic Temple in the late 1970s and 1980s the congregation was not as large as some of others in District 23. Most of the time we did not have a choir, and all of the time we sang a lot of hymns, led by our pastor and my uncle, District Elder James E. Callahan. We sang slow hymns, especially Take Time to Be Holy and My Faith Looks Up to Thee. Like many young people, I braced at the absence of the newer, faster, and more exciting music... biding my time from council to council, when we had fellowship with churches with younger and more contemporary members and music. District Elder James E. Callahan When I went to college, however, during a very difficult and trying time... a time when my faith seemed weak and my mind confused, I found myself walking campus, praying out loud. Out of the blue, the words of the hymn "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" fell into my consciousness. I began to sing. Thank God (and Uncle Jim) I knew all the words. As a pastor now, I am known in my church for loving the hymns. Apostolic Temple is the reason why. Clarresa Morton, Ph.D. Winchester (VA) Shenandoah University Vice President Apostolic Temple provided my earliest memories of an organized, church-related experience. Vacation Bible School at Gary was two weeks of songs, interactive lessons, workbooks, projects designed to supplement the Bible Lessons, robust discussions-- in short, the Bible study sessions were the highlight of my summer. Today, 50 years later, I still know the words to VBS theme songs from my youth. "...Christ's Way is My Way, It should be your way, too. (continued on next page)

6 Apostolic Temple Memories continued (from previous page) William Pritchett Washington (DC) Executive Asst. to the President, SEIU I remember being at choir practices when the spirit was so high that we had to stop singing for a while because we were shouting and praising God so fervently. Our director (Ann Abbington) was often among those shouting. One hot summer day, we sat in the choir stand with the window open. During a lull in the service, I could hear people singing from one of the four other churches that we could see out of the window. I recall thinking how different their services and their choirs sounded from ours. While the sound was often sweet and harmonic, it was almost always staid and emotionless. I thought, It sounds like their hearts are not really into it. I also recall thinking, if we can hear them, they can definitely hear us. It inspired me to sing my heart out during our next A and B selection. My desire was to not only reach those in Apostolic Temple, but also those in the other churches and surrounding homes. Also, at the end of a very long tarrying service, I was the last person at the altar. A couple of deacons took me by each arm and half-walked, half-carried me back to the front pew to end the service. Once they seated me, I crawled back on my knees to the altar. Tears streamed down my face. The volume level in the church rose from the sounds of the uninhibited praise that broke out everywhere, including from me. I finally experienced what it meant to surrender my all to God, and God quickly filled me with the gift of the Holy Ghost as I spoke in tongues for the first time in my life. Ann Abbington-Barlow Roanoke (VA) Referral Coordinator, Blue Ridge Legal Services I was raised in Apostolic Temple and remained a member there until 1979, when I moved out of state. I remember the Sunrise Services each Easter Sunday, with all the ladies dressed in white and singing hymns of the death, burial and resurrection, especially the blood songs. It was truly a beautiful experience! The Young Peoples' meetings on Tuesday night were enlightening and uplifting, both spiritually and intellectually. We learned the Books of the Bible, to spell them and the names of Bible characters. Elder Callahan also taught us Parliamentary Procedure, so we were equipped to preside in any circumstance. Wednesday night tarrying services, either at the church or the home of Deacon and Mama Cook, and Friday night Bible Study all contributed to our becoming Christians. We were blessed with several choirs, beginning with the Senior Choir under the direction of Elder W. B. Murrell. They sang A Cappella. Later, there were the Youth Choir, The Cross and Crown and the Apostolic Heralds. I thank God for the experience of being a part of the ministry at Apostolic Temple.

7 West Virginia & East Tennessee Council Graduates (continued) Full Gospel Assembly (Huntington) (FGA list continued) Renee Moore Marshall University (B.S.) Psychology Mia Turner Huntington High School None Grace & Mercy Apostolic (Parkersburg) Grace Temple (Johnson City) Reva Rodriguez East Tennessee State University (B.S.) Interdisciplinary Studies Nolan Lyons Science Hill High School Cierra Scott Science Hill High School Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal (Bluefield) Paris Leggett Verigoldie Peavy Bluefield High School Bluefield High School Midway Shiloh Temple (Keystone) None Mt. Zion Temple Family Worship (Marion) Tiffany Spence A Shante Buford New Destiny Academy Marion Sr. High School Mt. Zion Tabernacle (Kingsport) Jonya Ebraheim Northeast State University (A.S.) William Brown Dobyns Bennett High School Calvin Tre Price Dobyns Bennett High School Derrick K. Steele Dobyns Bennett High School Jamari K. Steele Dobyns Bennett High School Sha Qwayle Shade Apostolic Lighthouse Christian School Jazmine McDowell United Apostolic Faith (Beckley) Woodrow Wilson High School Embracing the Challenge of the Cross!

8 REVIVAL FIRES ARE BURNING IN THE DISTRICT Soul-winning is a prime objective of the churches of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council. And revival fires have been burning bright throughout the district this spring and summer. Christ Temple (Williamson, WV) hosted a weekend revival with Ministers Thad Moore and Tim Starkey that inspired the faithful while reaching new converts. During the meeting, three persons received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, five were baptized in water, and one was reclaimed. Southwest Virginia churches in Marion have also caught fire with revival and both Antioch Greater Love and Mt. Zion Family Worship have added to their number. Reports are that more than 10 baptisms in Jesus Name and as many baptisms in the spirit, with tongues evidence have taken place there. Evangelist Bobbi Barney conducted back-to-back revivals at Full Gospel Assembly (Huntington, WV) and Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal (Bluefield, WV) in the spring. The spirit was high in both settings. During the four-day Holy Spirit Revival at GMZ, 12 persons received Holy Ghost baptism, while four were baptized. Three others have been dipped in The Name at GMZ since that meeting, and one reclaimed. Past PAW Presiding Bishop Paul Bowers and Bishop Wesley Weeks led revivals at Mt. Zion Tabernacle (Kingsport) prior to the district s Summer Convention, priming the pump for an outstanding district council meeting in July. Grace Temple (Johnson City, TN) has been brimming with praise as well, as revival has swept beyond its normal walls, into Church of our Lord Jesus, and back into the new Grace sanctuary. Revival fires were also burning at United Apostolic Faith (Beckley,WV) when it hosted a revival featuring Elder Robert Merriwether as well as the multi-church Pentecost Sunday celebration with Bishop Gerald Loyd. With pastors and members of Midway Shiloh Temple (Keystone), Christ Temple (Williamson), Greater Mt. Zion (Bluefield), Apostolic Temple (Gary), and UAFC joining forces, two persons left the altar speaking with tongues on Pentecost Sunday. More chapters of this story are yet unfolding, as churches throughout District 23 continue to catch the fire!

9 CEA WILL BRING REGION ONE CONVENTION TO DISTRICT 23 IN 2012 CEA President District Elder Mark Redd led the second largest district delegation at the 2011 Christian Education Region One Conference in Greensboro (NC), April 1-2. Region One of the P.A.W. consists of the North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia & East Tennessee district councils. Additionally, District 23 reported the largest pre-registration ever for any district, at this year s event. For this accomplishment, President Redd received two tickets to the ICEA 85 th Anniversary Banquet at the P.A.W. International Convention in Orlando in late July. District Elder Mark Redd President, CEA Representation was strong and active from several members of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council throughout the 2011 conference. Elder Arthur Brown of Grace & Mercy (Parkersburg) conducted a seminar titled Bullying, the Law, and the Church. Sister Nikki Henderson and Felecia Darrisaw played active roles with the Youth on the Move Program. District Elder Redd officiated over the altar invitation during the Friday evening service. It was announced that District 23 will host the 2012 Region One CEA Conference. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn-Bristol Conference Center in March. President Redd is encouraging all supporters of Christian Education from throughout the district to actively work with his team to support this effort. The CEA will be seeking volunteers during our October council meeting. Holiday Inn- Bristol Meanwhile, the district s CEA is continuing its year-long training on effective meetings and Parliamentary Procedure at both the recent Kingsport Summer Convention and the upcoming Fall Convention, which will meet in Gary and Bluefield (WV). In addition to the various other instructional activities that are being planned, the CEA s night at the Summer Convention welcomed a son of District 23 home. Elder Isaac Williams electrified the council gathering with his sermon, Unstoppable. Excerpts from this and other sermons at the summer convention can be viewed on You Tube, by typing West Virginia and East Tennessee Council (P.A.W.) Elder Isaac Williams

10 MINISTERS WIVES FOCUS ON HANDING OFF AND SEIZING THE BATON Ministers wives from throughout District 23 focused on handing off and seizing the baton, as their efforts springing forth from the Summer Convention in Kingsport. District President Evangelist Deborah Moore stated, Relay runners continually practice their hand-off. Overall performance depends on perfecting this part of the race - handing off the baton. So apt is this word picture that it has become a cliché in business, in politics, in education, and even in churches. Moore added, We hand off the baton to someone we hope has the endurance, the insight, the wisdom, and the courage - yes especially the courage - to run with it. We "seize the baton" from a predecessor, from someone we perhaps admire and respect. All Minister's Wives are encouraged to join your leadership in this point of emphasis. Efforts to meet this challenge were discussed in Kingsport, with an eye toward learning from each other concerning the ongoing Christian race. Moore says, We must keep on practicing until we can perfect that position that God has given us. MEN S MINISTRY UNVEILS A CALL TO ARM District 23 Men s Ministry President Paul Lee has unveiled a major initiative to prepare the brothers of the district for service. A program titled A Call to Arm, is a district-wide fundraising effort with a goal of raising $100,000 over five years. A Call to Arm will provide local support for efforts at soul-winning, a roster of skilled craftsmen for repairs and light construction, as well as a war chest for the men of the district to pursue their goals. Additionally, a Call to Arm sets a goal to expand the ranks of men in local churches throughout District 23 and activate the Men s Ministry s support of the district. Contact your local church Men s Ministry President for details on how you can be a part of A Call to Arm. It s time to Man-Up!

11 WOMEN S MINISTRY IS ON THE MOVE The Women s Ministry is on the move this year. The auxiliary implemented an active program during the 2011 Summer Convention in Kingsport. President Evangelist Wilma Starkey honored the 2011 financial drive champion in Kingsport Grace Temple President, Sister Cathy Martin. District VP Evangelist Narasha Turner challenged all local auxiliaries to engage in another drive to culminate in April A roster of three discussions focused on the district theme Embracing the Challenge of the Cross was coordinated during the Summer Convention, with further plans already being developed for the Fall Convention in Gary/Bluefield. President Starkey points to 1 Corinthians 15:57... thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! The Official Newsletter of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council The District Messenger will initially be published quarterly, under the auspices of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. The council is affiliate District 23 of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Diocesan: Bishop Samuel R. Moore Chairman: District Elder Thomas Moore Director, Department of Communications: Tim Moore Managing Editor: Ardella Brown Contributors: Bishop Samuel R. Moore, District Elder Thomas Moore, Suffragan Bishop Kelvin Cash, District Elder Timothy Schofield, District Elder Robyn Turner, District Elder Mark Redd, Elder Arthur Brown, Pastor Cora Hamilton, Elder John Hale, Charles Locke, and Evangelist Narasha Turner. West Virginia & East Tennessee Council of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Articles can not be reprinted without the express written consent of the West Virginia & East Tennessee Council. Permission may be requested by ing wvandetennesseecommunications@msn.com. Information was requested for this newsletter, but was not submitted by the following areas of the council operation: Young People s Union

12 How many of these West Virginia & East Tennessee Council members can you identify?