Voice of Hope

FINAL DAY TO REGISTER and PAY NO FEE! Children’s Ministries Grand Slam Event A Unique, Training Experience for Children’s Ministry Leaders and Volunteers Are you looking for a great way to train the children’s ministry workers in your church? Have we got the EVENT for you! Designed especially for children’s ministry workers, Sunday School teachers, and anyone interested in connecting kids to the Father, the CHILDREN’S MINISTRY GRAND SLAM EVENT is sure to challenge and equip every member of your team. Topics include: Connecting with the Coach, Evangelizing Today’s Child, Creatively Teaching Bible Truths, Getting Kids Involved in the Game...and much more The fun and learning begins Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Lakemoore Church of God of Prophecy (Morristown, TN) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Advanced Registration is FREE (when received by 1/31/08) / $20 At-the-door. The Lakemoore Church will be providing lunch and the state Children’s Ministries will be providing the training material...

A message from Pastor Sammy Allen I am excited to announce that Teen Challenge of Middle Tennessee will be ministering at the Wrigley church on Sunday Morning March 2. The group will consist of around 20 men and woman who will be singing and speaking. Teen Challenge is a Faith Based drug and alcohol recovery center. You will be blessed as here of how God has delivered these men and women from the bondage that controlled their lives. A cover dish lunch will follow the service and you will be able to fellowship with the staff and residents of Teen Challenge. Please pray for the service and invite your friends and family. Thank you and God bless Pastor Sammy

As I write today, I am in Atlanta, Georgia where I've been taking part in a "Synergy" conference hosted at the Mt. Paran Church of God. The conference is well attended by people across denominational lines, and there is a great representation pastors and overseers from the Church of God of Prophecy. Our General Overseer and North American Presbyter met with the State/Regional Overseers in attendance yesterday, and we had a wonderful time of dialogue and looking forward to the future of our movement. We are all convinced that the best days are yet to come, as reports of new conversions, baptisms, new church plants and new members being added to the church keep coming in. We have wonderful hard-working ministers and laity in this movement of God, and we are looking forward with anticipation. I will be leaving and driving to our campground for our annual Ministerial Development Intensive this Friday and Saturday. It appears that our attendance is going to be well beyond l...

We are anticipating a great time this week-end at the Ministerial Development Intensive February 1 & 2 at the campground in Dickson. For those who have registered, please remember: 1) Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. CST The evening General Session begins at 7:00 p.m. 2) Please eat BEFORE you arrive Friday evening. There will be a light meal served AFTER the evening General Session 3) If staying on-grounds, remember bed and bath linens. 4) Dress is business casual 5) Contact number for Camp Hickory Hills: 615-763-2061 David Allen, Campground Manager: 615-763-6149 Camp Office 6) If coming for Saturday only, the morning session begins at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there! Any additional questions, may be directed to londajoy@aol.com

THIS TOUCHED MY HEART AND I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU TODAY Surfing with Jesus #51101262008 Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr. gene@SurfingwithJesus.com Thank You for My Friends I sit here this morning thinking of and praying for my dear friends who continue to put their whole heart and life into ministering to others as they serve Jesus throughout the world. There is Dan and Sharon and their children as they lead the way in Japan where numbers are often small and little support is given because of this. However after serving nearly 40 years, I see them excited about proclaiming Jesus to this nation. God will provide for them because he is an on time God. I see Paul and others who keep in touch in India against all odds as they see fellow labors homes, churches, and families destroyed. I pray Lord lift them up this morning, protect them and provide for them as they share their love of Jesus at the very expense of losing their lives. I hear from Pakistan and how unpopular it is to be a Christ...

The 2010 International Assembly is scheduled for July 27 - August 1 in Greensboro, NC. Efforts are being made to move out of the southeast beyond 2010.

It's only a week away! The annual Ministerial Development Intensive is certainly going to be a blessing to everyone attending. I would encourage you to set aside time in your schedule to attend the Intensive scheduled for February 1 & 2, 2008 at Camp Hickory Hills, near Dickson, Tennessee. I am aware that there are many who read the blog from outside the State of Tennessee, and we want you to know that you are welcome to attend! Anyone interested in more details may contact the director, Londa Richardson at londajoy@aol.com We are expecting a wonderful time. Remember, this is for anyone serving the local church in ANY capacity. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

95th International Assembly August 12-17, 2008 Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee 2008 Assembly Lodgin g Every hotel has its own policy relative to deposits required, cancellation, penalties, parking and etc. For a good understanding, be sure to inquire about the policy of the hotel which you choose. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly. HOTELS WITH WHICH CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN FINALIZED Hilton Suites – Nashville All rooms are suites 121 Fourth Avenue South Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 620-2150 $133.00 0.09 miles from and adjacent to the Sommet Center www.hilton.com SOLD OUT Renaissance Nashville Hotel * 611 Commerce Street Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 255-8400 $124.00 0.14 miles from the Sommet Center www.mariott.com SOLD OUT Homewood Suites All rooms are suites with full size kitchen 706 Church Street Nashville TN 615-742-5550 $130.00 Free Hot Breakfast – Free light Dinner (Mon. – Thurs.) – Free Internet 0.27 miles from the Som...

Dear Brother McKinley, You are cordially invited to the First Assembly Commemorative Service Saturday, January 26, 2008 beginning at 2:00 P.M. We will meet for worship, prayer, and reflection on those humble beginnings to commemorate the First General Assembly held January 26-27, 1906. Also, we will hear inspiring words from our General Overseer, Bishop Howard; Bishop Adrian Varlack, and Dr. David Roebuck. Please see attachment for a preliminary outline of the service. Hope to see you January 26, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. Would you please forward the attachment to your Pastors in Tennessee since Tennessee was one of the first states represented in that first assembly. Thanks and Blessings, H. Wayne Hall Dir Heritage Ministries First Assembly Commemorative Service January 26, 2008 2:00 P.M. First Assembly House River Hill Road Off NC Hwy 294 Camp Creek Community “KEEPING THE FOCUS” Welcome Scripture Reading and Prayer Worship First Assembly Minutes – Pastor Don Johnston Speakers: General Overse...

King Home Designs; has been in business for approximately 2 years. Barbara King owner and home designer has 25 years experience in the drafting field. Her expertise is in residential and small commercial structures which do not require architecture licensing. Barbara is a member of the church at Arrowhead in Knoxville, and she recently assisted the Elizabethton church in the construction of their beautiful new building. If you need a professional designer with a heart which reflects Christian principles call Barbara today at 865-621-7519 for a free consultation. Services are provided for all the Tennessee area.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28, 1963 I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dra...

I received the following note from Pastor Bob Hansen, of the East Nashville church Please note: E. Nashville Church will have a special Memorial service in honor of Helen Beasley at 7P.M. Jan. 27th. Sun. Everyone is invited.

Tonight, Middle Tennessee churches gathered at the Murfreesboro church for our area leadership meeting. There was a great crowd present, and the Presence of the Lord was rich. Pastor Verlin and Jean Thornton, host pastors gave a warm welcome to everyone, and Bishop Leon Graves, the District Presbyter moderated the services. After the time of ministry of the Word, the Spirit moved in a special way and people were blessed. Thank God for all of the pastors and congregations who gathered for this special time. The next Leadership meeting is scheduled for the Lawrence Chapel church, next Sunday night.

This morning, Debra and I were absolutely thrilled to be with the folks at the Family Worship Center in Dayton, Tennessee. Bro and Sister Carroll extended a warm and cordial welcome to us, and the people were lovely. This is our first visit to the church, and we were struck by the kindness and loving spirit demonstrated there. After the morning services, we enjoyed a nice lunch at a local restaurant, where the fellowship with the Carrolls and Associate Ministers Brother and Sister Audie May. Great things are happening at the church there, among them, a Hispanic Church of God of Prophecy sharing their facilities for worship and fellowship. Special thanks to everyone at Dayton for making this a memorable day for us.

At the end of each week, we now send out an electronic version of the WHIT (What's Happening In Tennessee) to everyone on our database here. If you have not been receiving the E-WHIT but would like to be added to the list, please CLICK HERE to send an email requesting to be added to the list. Just put the word SUBSCRIBE in the body. We look forward to staying connected with you.

I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM BISHOP LEON GRAVES Just to inform you of two deaths in our local church here at Lakeside. Sister Lorene Barber, 87 yrs of age past away on Thursday at Vanderbilt around lunch time. Sister Reba Holmes, 90 yrs of age past away on Thursday at S.R.M.C. about 8:00 p.m. Both of these ladies have been members of the church here for many years. The arrangements of both are incomplete at this time. I will post the information as soon as possible. We ask that you be in prayer for both of these families. Pastor Leon Graves

Many of you have heard about the troubles at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rumors swirled about difficulties that have been reported on most major news organizations. Recently, one of our own, Bishop William (Billy) Wilson was added as a trustee of the University. My source is the Tulsa World Newspaper in an article earlier this week. Billy is one of our own, and we need to pray that the Lord will help him in this new area of ministry. Contrary to what some have asked, Brother Wilson remains an ordained minister in the Church of God of Prophecy and continues in his general appointment.

I am posting this email message from LaNada (Harding) Tag. While they serve as missionaries in another organization, we want to pray for and stay connected with anyone working in the Kingdom of God. LaNada is Bishop Freddie Harding's daughter. ---- Dear friends and family, We have been back in Tennessee for a few weeks now. Christmas and New Years with family here was great. Of course Alaiyah and Anikah miss their grandpa, grandma, cousins and family in Montana, but have had so much fun with nana and papa and family here. It has been overwhelming at times with the amount of things that have to be done between now and July when we leave for Indonesia. Imagine having to plan and pack for 4 years overseas. There are supplies to buy and ship, Visas to complete, airplane tickets to get, churches and friends to visit and so many other things sometimes we feel that our head is just above water. Praise the Lord that He is here with us. We are daily reminded that our strength lies i...

Deadline Extended We have had such an overwhelming response over the weekend to the marriage retreat, that I personally called the hotel yesterday and asked the deadline to be extended a few-more-days to allow last-minute registrations. I am HAPPY to announce that the hotel has graciously extended the deadline to next Monday, (January 21, 2008). At that POINT the rooms will definitely be released. If you haven't registered, this WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY will be open for just a little while longer. Please don't delay, the demand has been overwhelming. If you still wish to attend the retreat, please use one of the following methods of contact: 1. Office: 615-824-3563. If you are routed to voicemail, please leave your name and number and you will receive a call back. 2. Fax: 615-827-0102. This will route to the overseer's personal fax machine. 3. Email: Please CLICK HERE to email your response 4. REPLY: Click on the reply feature in your email browser. We are lookin...

Last night churches gathered in the Middle Tennessee districts 11-13 at the Crossroads church for the District Leadership conference. To say the building was filled would be an understatement. After the sanctuary pews were filled, chairs were brought out in the back, along the sides and near the front, and the worship team remained on the stage area due to the need for seating. Even as the sanctuary was filled, there were others who were a part of the service through closed circuit systems in the church building. There was a great worship service led by the Crossroads worship team, and the drama team from Baggett's Chapel ministered as well. District Presbyter, Bishop Gary Riley did a great job of moderating the service, and after the message, there was a great time of ministry in the altar area. To God be the glory! The next service is scheduled for the Murfreesboro area next Sunday night at 6:00 p.m., where Bishop F. Leon Graves will moderate the the State bishop will again ...

Registration is still open for the 2008 Tennessee Marriage Retreat at Smoky Shadows Conference Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The date is Feb 15-17, 2008 and special guests Mike and Ann Willingham will surely be a blessing to all. Debra spoke with the conference center and they told us all unbooked rooms will definitely be released on January 15, 2008. After that, we cannot guarantee sleeping rooms for the retreat. If you would like to still register, you may contact us at the state office at 615-824-3563...simply leave a message on the voice mail if you call during non-office hours, and leave a number or email address for us to contact you at, and Debra will touch base with you at the first of the week. If you would like to confirm by email, you may send your request to: ecmckinley@mac.com

The next District Leadership meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Crossroads church in White Bluff. All churches in this part of the state are invited to attend. Unlike previous years, state staff will not be boosting their areas of ministry, but rather will have handouts available at tables located near the entrance of the church. Be sure to check out their resource material. This will create a more worship-flow to the service. I will be sharing the message. The meetings is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

As you know, the Tennessee Ministerial Development Intensive (MDI) is scheduled for February 1-2, 2008 at Camp Hickory Hills. You can download a copy of the registration with all information by CLICKING HERE.

On Sunday, January 6, 2008 the congregation at the Heartland Fellowship Church (Elizabethton) celebrated the dedication of their new building. Bishop Eugene Weakley and William Wilson ministered during the celebration, and at the conclusion of the morning service, Pastor Marvin Slagle received 15 new members into the church. The attendance was estimated at about 200 people. Included here are two pictures of the new church, which is "Phase One," of future plans. Congratulations to Pastor Marvin Slagle and the congregation for their hard work, dedication and vision! CLICK PLAY BUTTON ABOVE TO VIEW VIDEO

On Sunday night, the areas of West Tennessee gathered at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Jackson, Tennessee for the first of our annual meetings.  There was a great response by the churches in West Tennessee, and Bishops Mahan and Wier did a great job of organizing and moderating the meeting. After an introduction and a time of worship led by the Mahan family, we were treated to a mini-concert by the "Almost Famous Crain's" gospel quartet.  Special thanks to our State Staff on hand, Londa Richardson,  Kim Batson and Joshua Lynn.   This year, instead of boosting their respective ministries, handouts were ava ilable before and after the meeting. Our next district meeting is scheduled for the Crossroads church in White Bluff on this coming Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.  We hope to see you there!

On Monday I posted that this report would follow. It is the first of four events I will be reporting on: On Sunday morning, I was overjoyed to participate in the official organization of the Empowered Ministries church located in Dickson, Tennessee. For two years, we have watched as Pastor Mike and Rhonda Jennette have worked tirelessly to bring this day of beginnings about. The service was opened by Pastor Mike Jennette, and followed by worship, and a greeting from District Presbyter, Bishop Gary Riley. In the message, I preached on the topic, "The God of Covenants." After the message and review of the Church of God of Prophecy, 79 people joined the church by covenant, and two transfers of membership were received, bringing the organization total to 81 members of the local church. Great things are ahead fo this congregation, and I am so happy to have be a part of such a great new beginning! Pictured here are most of the new membership.

Dear Friends, Most of you who read this blog on a regular basis know that I try to put something up every day. Well, with everything that happened in the State yesterday, I will need to post in segments to insure we cover it effectively. I returned home late last night, and I am leaving in just a few minutes for General Assembly Task Force meetings in Nashville today and tomorrow. That means it will be late tonight or early tomorrow morning for the full stories. Here is a brief with full stories to follow: 1) The Empower Ministries Church joined the fellowship of the Church of God of Prophecy, organizing with 79 new members. 2) Heartland Fellowship (Elizabethton) dedicated their new church building with a full house and received 16 new members. 3) Our Tennessee Leadership meetings kicked off last night at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Jackson, Tennessee which was well attended. 4) New field work in Henderson, Tennessee is now framed with completion date in sight. God is ...

NOTE: TO DOWNLOAD POSTER AND REGISTRATION CLICK HERE Children’s Ministries Network of East Tennessee Church of God of Prophecy Tennessee State Office January 2008 E-newsletter 1.) Devotion: Pacesetters Wanted 2.) FREE Training Event Coming to East Tennessee 3.) Transformation: ICM 2008 4.) Teach Training on the Go: Team Ministry Devotion: Pacesetters Wanted At one time, physiologists generally agreed: Human beings could not safely run a mile in less than four minutes. But Roger Bannister disagreed. On May 6, 1954, years of conventional wisdom and a psychological barrier shattered as Bannister ran a mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. Less than two months later, another runner broke the four-minute mile…then another…then another. Within about three years, sixteen runners had broken the barrier. A pacesetter is a trendsetter, a barrier breaker—someone who crashes through quitting points. The most amazing thing about Bannister’s story is not that he broke the four-minute mile, but that so ma...

The District-wide meetings held throughout the state will begin this coming Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Jackson, Tennessee. The areas served by District Presbyters Clayton Mahan and Robbie Wier will meet for a meeting that should last 2 1/2 hours. We do hope you can join us as we gather together for worship, fellowship and the Presence of the Lord. We hope to see you there

Sister Helen Hall, the pastor at Jones Chapel church in Greeneville has asked that we make known the local church need for a piano player. If someone in that part of the state might be able to assist, please contact Pastor Hall directly at: vhall@charter.net

I received the following notice from District Presbyter, Bishop Freddie Harding: I just learned that Oscar Mott a deacon from the Cookeville church passed away. Viewing will begin at 5PM today at the Baxter (Hopper Huddleston) Funeral home. Funeral is at 2PM tomorrow. He was a unique individual and will be greatly missed be everyone here.