Every year the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee offers an excellent series of summer youth camps. This year is not exception. With recent renovations to the gymnasium and upgrading of our pool, Camp Hickory Hills will offer a wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship.
The camps are broken down by age-appropriate camps. Here is the information to help you decide which camp is best for your needs:
Encounter
Age 19+
May 30-June 1
Kim Batson
615-604-7484
kbatson@mhc-tn.org
Senior
Age 15-18
June 8-13
Victor & Renee Rodriguez
423-544-4604
renee@cogop.org
Teen
Age 12-14
June 28-July 3
Paul & Carol Shull
423-478-4756
pdshull@charter.net
Pre-Teen
Age 10-12
June 14-19
Terry & Heather Swaw
615-789-3775
swawtees@aol.com
Junior
Age 8-10
June 21-26
Phyllis Cannon
423-478-0453
marybethcannon@yahoo.com
and
Cynthia Minnick
931-645-7683
cgminnick@aol.com
Big Shot
Age 6-8
June 3-7
Chris & Melissa Bohannon
931-296-9899
melissabo71@yahoo.com
YOU MAY DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION BY CLICKING HERE
CAMP FEES ARE ON THE DOWNLOAD FORM
Monday, March 31, 2008
Summer Youth Camps
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Clarksville
This morning, Debra and I were privileged to worship with our congregation in Clarksville. As always, we were given a warm and cordial welcome from the congregation.
Pastor Bob and Barbara Creasy are always such a blessing to us personally, and we are uplifted by their fellowship. We appreciate all they are doing.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Have you told your pastor lately....?
The phone rings at 4:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning...one of the members of the congregation is near death. The pastor answers the phone and within moments is on the way to the hospital. After realizing the church member is stable, the pastor notices its almost 9:30 a.m. Just enough time to get to the church.
Standing at the front door, the pastor welcomes everyone as they enter, while looking out the door to see where everyone else is at. The services get started and the deacon pulls the pastor aside to share that something must be wrong with the heat/air unit, there have been complaints about the temperature.
As the pastor goes to check on the heat/air unit, the treasurer hands the pastor a note to remind the moderator of the service that the insurance payment is going to be due next month, and the church really needs to take up a good offering today.
Just as the worship service is ready to start, one of the older members catches the pastor in the aisle of the sanctuary to complain about an error in the bulletin. Even though the pastor didn't catch the small error, an apology is extended....though the pastor feels like it would never be appreciated.
After all of this, the pastor walks to the pulpit, opens the Bible and the notes prepared for this morning's message, and the pastor is exhausted....yes, even before it begins. Yes, the physical exhaustion is because the pastor was up late on Saturday night preparing for Sunday, but the mental/emotional exhaustion is even more of a burden.
Yet, the pastor declares the "whole counsel of God," gives an altar call, and even though no one responds (in fact several were slipping their winter coats on while the pastor was finishing the sermon), the pastor walks diligently to the door of the church and extends the same, warm and friendly handshake. And yes, this goes on week after week.
I can tell you about this pastor, because I have been there, but more importantly because I personally know hundreds of pastors by first name, and I see, hear and feel their struggle.
You might ask, "well, what does that have to do with me? What's with the title "Have you told your pastor lately...?" I would think the answer is obvious. Have you stopped and told your pastor lately that you appreciate the labor of love, that you appreciate the sacrifice of family time, and the all of ministry your pastor has accomplished around you.
The truth is that only once per year is NOT enough...we should have a regular habit of telling our pastor how much we love, appreciate and care for their ministry. It can be done with a simple thank you, or a card, or you might even want to bless your pastor with a gift. How could that be wrong?
You say, "well does my pastor deserve that?" The answer is a resounding "yes!" God trusted your pastor enough to call him/her into the ministry, and I know that you will be blessed as you bless your pastor.
Why not take that opportunity today...you don't know how long it might have been since your pastor heard those words.
God bless each of you.
--E.C. McKinley
Friday, March 28, 2008
Death Notice - Irene Metaxas
Sis Irene Metaxas, wife of Bro Michael Metaxas passed away Thursday afternoon. Their son Tassos pastored Union Grove at one time.
She was a wonderful prayer warrior for Union Grove and we will miss her dearly.
They are from Cyprus and have a long story of how God protected them and brought them to the USA
Pastor Gene Dasher
Democratic Republic of Congo
As we close the month of March, my thoughts go to the tradition of World Missions in our church. For many years, the months of March and October have been designated for outreach to the world.
Today, I received a copy of a report from the National Overseer of DRC to his General Presbyter. What stood out to me was the amazing fact that there are now 503,000 members in that one nation alone! God is moving among our church and I am happy to share it with you.
Because it is a large PDF file, I cannot post it on this site, but I've put a link for you to download, read/print at your leisure.
Let's remember to give God the glory! To see/download the file, CLICK HERE
Tennessee Ladies Day
The date is quickly approaching for Tennessee Ladies Day scheduled for April 25th & 26th at Camp Hickory Hills. Guest speaker will be Sylvia Staten from South Carolina. We anticipate powerful worship, great fellowship, one on one ministry, and anointed presentations. (plus some surprises) Applications are arriving daily with reports of many new ladies attending.
Anyone needing additional applications may secure them on line at the women’s ministries website. (www.tnwomenofgrace.com)
The deadline for “early bird” registration is April 5th. We hope to hear from you soon!
Come expecting to experience the GLORY of the Lord!
Londa Richardson, Ladies Day Director
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Transformation Conference
Institute of Children’s Ministry
May 21-24, 2008
Cleveland, Tennessee
“and we are being transformed into his likeness with
ever-increasing glory” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Does your ministry to kids seem routine, ordinary, ho-hum, and perhaps even stagnant? If so, it’s time for a change that’s from the inside out, a change that will inspire, encourage, compel and transform the lives of the kids you serve.
At the 2008
· experience personal transformation
· develop ministry and leadership skills that will enable you to bring transformation to the ministry you lead
· be prepared to motivate and equip children to pursue transforming intimacy with their heavenly Father
…so that the children, families, congregations, and communities you serve will be changed!
Join us at the 2008 Institute of Children’s Ministry where together we will pursue transformation.
Kathy Creasy
Tennessee Youth Camps
Our youth camps are just around the corner, and I wanted to post some helpful information.
In a previous newsletter, we inadvertently put the wrong date for Big Shot Camp. The correct date should be June 3-7, 2008. I apologize for any difficulty this may have created, it was MY fault, I should have caught it.
In the next day or two, I hope to post more information regarding the camps, but we are looking forward to them with great anticipation!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He lives!
This morning, I was privileged to attend worship services with my entire family in Cleveland.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Desperation
| Noun | 1. | desperation - a state in which all hope is lost or absent; "in the depths of despair"; "they were rescued from despair at the last minute"; "courage born of desperation" |
It was the first day after the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ. Many of the followers, in fact, most of them had deserted Him. One actually called curses down from heaven as he denied knowing Him. It seems as if the same people who filled the streets with palm leaves for His entrance into the city, had only a few days later cried, "crucify Him."
The movement that had seen blind eyes opened, the deaf hear, the lame to leap and the lepers to be cleansed had been stricken right at the heart; the itinerant preacher who had taught them so much, and who had stood up to corrupt authorities, was now lain in the tomb of Joseph.
I guess there is not a more compelling picture of what desperation really is.
It's easy to see why so many in today's world feel the desperation that leads them to depression and suicide. To them, the only hope for mankind has been marginalized, demonized and denied by the educational system, and the sophistry of modernity.
Yet, I have news for you today...yes, He was crucified, yes He was laid in a borrowed tomb...but on the third day He arose!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday
Imagine what it must have been like to be an observer at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. What would it have been like to see the suffering, to watch as a spear pierced His side? What would you have thought when the sky became completely dark, or to hear Him cry out "My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Or when He utter the words "tetelestai," or "Paid in Full." Would you have wondered just what He was talking about? What about those throngs of people following Him who were no where to be found at this darkest hour?
At the end of the day, He was taken from the cross and put into a borrowed tomb. Borrowed, because He wouldn't need it long! Thank God!
I'm thankful today for that cross, and for the sacrifice Christ made on it so that you and I could have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) I look forward to this Sunday, when we will celebrate the victorious resurrection of our Lord!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Proxy System Reminder
This post is a friendly reminder to our pastors to make sure that the Proxy Pre-Registration form is in my office by the deadline of March 31, 2008.
If a local church does not participate in the proxy registration, they will not be able to participate in giving their expression in the business proceedings of the upcoming General Assembly. While they may be able to make comments during the discussion, ONLY those individuals selected by their local church will be allowed to vote.
PLEASE make sure your voice is heard.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Death Notice
Received this notice from District Presbyter Freddie Harding. Note this was sent yesterday.
Greetings.
Wilma Douglas, Former Clerk & Treasurer at Pikeville passed away 9AM this
morning at Pikeville Hospital. Viewing will be 5PM at Putnam Reed
Funeral Home (Pikeville) and the Funeral is 2PM Wednesday.
Freddie Harding
Acting Pastor
Monday, March 17, 2008
Oliver Springs and District Meeting
Yesterday morning, I was blessed to minister at the Oliver Springs church in Eastern Tennessee. Pastor and Sister Roy Massengale gave me such a warm welcome, and the people were so kind and loving. It was such an honor to visit with and minister to this special group of people.
I left from Oliver Springs and stopped for lunch with the pastor's family at Cracker Barrel in Harriman (thank God for Sunday Style Chicken) and then was off on a cross-state trek for the final of our District Meetings at the Tullahoma church.
All of our pastors in the district attended and their churches were well represented. Special thanks to Bishop A.J. and Norma Coalter for their moderation and serving the people of the district so well. We also thank Brother and Sister William Pritchett and the congregation of the Tullahoma church for allowing us to meet there.
Finally, I thank all the pastors, leadership and membership of the local churches in Tennessee for the kind attention and attendance at these meetings, as well, I am thankful for the Spirit of the Lord and His Wonderful Presence.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Two Death Notices
I am saddened to report the passing of two of our senior Deacons in the past few days.
Gideon Schuerer
Brother Schuerer has only been in Tennessee a few years, after moving to the Memphis area to live with his family. I have known Brother Schuerer since my days as the overseer of North Dakota, where he was a member of the Golden Valley church. He has been attending the Abundant Grace Church in Memphis since moving here. His services are Thursday in Golden Valley, ND.
Morris Gregory
Brother Gregory is no stranger to the people of Tennessee, as he has served faithfully for many years. My personal knowledge of Brother Gregory is that he was a great encourager to me and to others who knew him. His services are tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in Portland, TN.
Will you please join me in prayer for the family? God bless.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Final District Meeting for 2008
The 8th and final District Leadership meeting is scheduled for this coming Sunday night at the Tullahoma church.
All pastors and leaders are expected to attend, as this is the annual vision-casting meeting, however, everyone is invited.
There has been a change in the format this year, as the state workers will have handouts available, and it will be more like a worship service than seminar. The State Overseer will be preaching in the evening service, and everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at:
2362 N Jackson St
Normandy, TN 37360
(931) 393-6005
We do hope you can join us for this final meeting of 2008, as it will be a great opportunity to worship, fellowship and enjoy the Presence of the Lord. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Tyranny of the Urgent
This phrase first came to my knowlege a few-years-ago, when my son Shaun was attending Montana State University. He shared it with me when describing a situation in the political world. The thought never left me.
A few-nights-ago, I came in late and caught the tail end of a newsmagazine (I think it was on ABC) that brought this phrase to mind again. Again, without seeing all of the report, I saw enough to understand the following.
1. People were told the story of the Good Samaritan from the New Testament.
2. They were sent (in a rush) to audition for a job.
3. The researchers put someone (an actor) on their path who was feigning distress.
It appeared to me that the researchers were putting people to the test, immediately after hearing the story of the Good Samaritan.
The bad news is the many of them did not stop; but the good news is that many did.
What came to my mind (and has been there ever since) is if I personally am going so many directions, trying to get so much done, being so involved, falling prey to the "tyranny of the urgent." in what I do. This might be okay for some folks, but not for ministers of the gospel.
As I thought about it further, I realized that I know all of the interstates very well across this country, but especially in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, but do I know the beauties that I may have missed by always being in such a hurry.
As we continue our journey together, let's make sure we don't fall to the "tyranny of the urgent." Let's make sure that we enjoy the scenery along the way. God bless.
Children's Event for West Tennessee
Saturday, March 15th at Curtis Hill Church: 1642 Curtis Hill Rd: near Selmer, Tennessee.
Please bring your children from your local church to enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and worship.
Worship begins at 6pm.
For further information, please contact Kim Batson at 615-604-7484 or kim.batson@comcast.net. I look forward to seeing you there.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Final District Meeting
Our final District Meeting for 2008 is scheduled for this coming Sunday night at the Tullahoma church. The services will begin at 6:00 p.m.
If you have not been able to attend one of our previous meetings, I am confident you will be blessed in this area-wide meeting.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Eunice M. Pennington
Today, I attended the funeral services of Eunice Moore Pennington at the Peerless Road Church in Cleveland. Sister Pennington, as many of you will know served alongside her husband, C.S. Pennington for many years in the ministry, most notably under general appointment.
My recollection of C.S. Pennington (preceded Sister Pennington) was the time that he served as the General Secretary of the C.P.M.A., now known as Heritage Ministries.
Please join me in prayer for the family.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bishop James Manus
From Pastor Milton Gordon's blog: http://eagleflight777@blogspot.com
Prayer request was made for Bishop James Manus a week or so ago. Initially a doctor had reported that he had an aneurysm in his side.
Today he went to a specialist in Nashville who examined him and could find no aneurysm anywhere and told him all his tests look okay. The specialist told him to come back in year for follow-up. Thank God!
Men's Day 2008
Just a quick note to let you know that the Men's Day for 2008 will be rescheduled to a later date. I will post the particulars here. God bless
Saturday, March 08, 2008
McMinnville Services - Sunday Night
Hi friends. It looks like we have finally had a significant snowfall in the Nashville area. No, its not like the snow in Montana, but it did lift Debra's spirits to see (and walk) in it. I have to be honest, palm trees are more to my liking.
It appears that the storm and its effects will be completely moved out of the way by tomorrow afternoon, with highs in the 50's, my guess is that the roads will be fine, and we will look forward to meeting at the McMinnville (North Hills) church for our district meeting.
After this meeting, there is only one more of these gatherings, which will be next Sunday night in Tullahoma.
I do hope you can join me at one of these two meetings, if you have not attended one already. In this meeting, we are involved in vision-casting, and the fellowship is always rich. I look forward to seeing you there, the service will start at 6:00 p.m. God bless.