Happy New Year

It hardly seems possible that another year has come and gone so quickly. It's as if it were only yesterday that we were looking forward to a new year filled with hopes and anticipation.

During the year of 2008 we've seen much of the Lord's work done in Tennessee, as people have come to a life-changing experience with the Lord Jesus Christ, many have experienced the blessings of sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. A host of individuals have been baptized in water and many of our churches have seen their memberships increase as the membership covenant was administered.

We've seen new churches organized and our youth camps, and other ministries have expanded.

We look forward to 2009 as another great year for the Church of God of Prophecy around the world, but particularly in Tennessee.

All of our staff wish you the best of the New Year and we trust the Lord Jesus Christ will bless and keep you.

POWERhouse Youth and Children 2009

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Mildred Clements Obituary

Sis. Mildred Clements, 85, wife of deceased pastor Bro. William Clements, passed away December 26, 2008 in Clarksville. The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation: Sunday, Dec. 28th, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 29th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Funeral: Monday, Dec. 29th, 1pm
Sykes Funeral Home
424 Franklin St.
Clarksville, TN
Ph. 931-647-1562

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Sykes Funeral Home with Bishop Ray C. Wynn and Minister David W. Taylor officiating.

Burial will be in Coleman-Tatum Cemetery.

Sis. Clements was born in Houston County, Tenn., on May 5, 1923, to the late Irvin and Mattie VonSchmitto Coleman. She was married to the late Pastor William Stokes Clements for 54 years, serving as a faithful pastor's wife, mother and friend to all who knew her.

She graduated from Central School in Montgomery County on April 29, 1938, and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy for 69 years. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Willie, Boyd and Ryan Coleman; one son, William James Clements; and one grandson, Gary Clements.

She is survived by sons, Billy of Scurry, Texas, Donald of Pottsboro, Texas, Darrell of Clarksville, Ricky of Cleveland, Tenn.; daughter, Annette (David) Taylor of Cleveland, Tenn.; brother, J.D. (Vivian) Coleman of Clarksville; grandchildren, Robert, Kenny and Steven Clements, Lisa
Schwichtenberg, Tracey Christian, Alan Clements, Sloane, Blair and Bud (Darrell Jr.) Clements, Lee and Michael Taylor; stepgrandchildren, Pat, Sheila and Connie; as well as numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

POWERhouse Youth and Children

In just a few-short-weeks, we will begin our district meetings across the State of Tennessee. On the Saturday prior to each of these events, there will be a special time for POWERhouse Youth and Childrens meetings as well. Here is a breakdown of the events scheduled:

Events begin at 3:00 p.m.

Jan 3rd- Abundant Grace -Collinsville
Jan 10th - Crossroads
Jan. 17th- Lakeside
Jan. 24th- Lawrence Chapel
Feb. 7th - Arrowhead
March 7th- Springplace

A must read book

I must admit something. For the past 27 years of ministry, I've had a real appetite to read. I've read just about anything available, and have over those years gathered quite a diverse library. Most preachers are like that.

About fifteen-years-ago, a church member put a book in my hands that absolutely changed my life. The book is A GRACE AWAKENING by Dr. Charles Swindoll, and it is such a good book that I've read it through multiple times. In fact, before the next year is out, I will probably read it again.

I also have the habit of reading multiple books at the same time...no, I don't mean literally, but I will read a chapter or two a day of several bookss. I've found this to broaden my knowledge and help me to learn quickly. However, this past week, I bought a book that I started reading, and I literally kept reading it until I finished it this morning. For the first time in years, I've read it through without picking up the other three I was reading at the time.

The book? I'm glad you asked. BEING CHRISTIAN Exploring Where you, God and Life Connect by Stephen Arterburn and John Shore.

(ISBN978-0-7642-0426-5 for those of you who might want to look it up at your favorite Christian bookstore)

This book IS just what it says. I found it enjoyable to read, and a valuable source for new Christians and those of us who have been around a while too. Last night, Debra came into the room and asked, "is that a good book?" My reply came out before I realized what I was saying, but it was something like this: "This book would have saved me a lot of heartache had I read it when I was first saved." Of course, it wasn't in print then, but I think you get the idea.

I would challenge all of you to stop by the bookstore and take a peek at the book, and let me say, I GET NO COMMISSION FOR THIS, ABSOLUTELY nothing, except for the ability to recommend something that could help you in your Christian walk.

If you are one of those who thinks the only good reading material is found in the ANTI-NICEAN FATHERS, then this book will probably seem like fluff to you, but I found it to lay again the principles and precepts all Christians need to learn at the beginning, but to also be reminded of once you've been a believer for a long time.

God bless you is my earnest desire.

Are you still reading here?

Some-time-ago, I switched my daily postings from this blog to a section of our State Website at: http://www.tncogop.org

I noticed that we are still receiving web traffic here. If you are a regular (or occasional) reader of this blog and have not started reading it at the website listed in the previous paragraph, please email me at: ecmckinley@gmail.com and let me know you are still reading here.

It is not an added problem to post to the two blogs, however, we want to serve you best, and to make sure you are keeping up with the regular posts at http://www.tncogop.org

God bless.

Bishop E.C. McKinley