Contributed By Sis. J. Clark-Melvin ("The Lion of Judah” COGIC)

The One-Day Gospel Feast, which took place Saturday, January 28, was an astounding celebration! The Lord was in His holy place and every aspect of the service was phenomenal. Indeed, God established precedence for His Spirit – showing up on every level.

As the saints entered the sanctuary, a sense of expectancy permeated the whole house. The service opened with energy and excitement by Pastor Andy Cork, Mt. Peniel COGIC, who moved the service as the Spirit led. Like a fresh wind blowing down the aisle, it soon became clear that the Lord was ready to move.

The opening prayer was charged by Pastor William Cornick Jr., Body of Believers COGIC, and he led us into the presence of the Lord. The prayer, chant, scripture readings, to the anthem, along with the Liturgical Praise Ministry exuded worship; you simply had to be there!

Under the direction of Missionary Naomi Kim Thomas, the Jurisdictional Choir sang by the unction of the Holy Spirit. They were unified as a mighty army dressed in black with gold accents, tearing down the house singing, “…I know that my God is a ‘Right Now God’!” The Lord showed Himself strong and awesome in that place. It was a melodious sound that resounded from the people of God – they sang as unto the Lord, and you could tell. 

In times past, our illustrious prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., would bring forth the Word of God. This time, with sincere graciousness, he shared his pulpit. But as he introduced the guest speaker, Bishop Thomas torched the church with his now very familiar song, “I Am Healed.”  It was truly an atmosphere setter, preparing the saints for God’s Word from the mouth of Bishop E. Charles Connor of Sacramento, who preached with power and authority.  His subject was “God is a God of expectations” and he came from Psalm 62:8.

Bishop Connor stood flat-footed and preached about our need to look forward, think forward and focus forward on the great things God has for us. Trusting in, leaning on and knowing that God is with us, and wants to do a new thing. Bishop Connor identified three areas of expectancy: blind expectation (II Kings 7:3), determined expectation (Mark 5:24-28), and  faith-driven expectation (Matt 8:5-10), as he encouraged us to look up. Afterwards, he prayed for the pastors of the Jurisdiction, and spoke a word over the choir, elders and ministers.  It was just a great service.

It is certain that this was not the typical jurisdictional budget service; it was a refreshing flowing from God’s Spirit! All should partake of the One-Day Gospel Feast and experience the power and presence of God first-hand.

It is with great regret that I inform you of the passing of Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood, a son of the Historic First Jurisdiction of Virginia and a former Adjutant General of our denomination.  Bishop Thoroughgood also served as the Second Administrative Assistant to Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. of the Virginia Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Our brother, Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood, accepted Christ at an early age, was licensed to preach by the late Bishop David C. Love, and began his ministerial work as an elder and later pastor of New Jerusalem COGIC within the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia.

We mourn the loss of our dear brother, who was loved by a God-fearing family and a devoted congregation.  The Thoroughgood Family and the Virginia Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction are in need of our fervent prayers at this time.

I encourage the full support of the Adjutants, Usher Board, Music Department and the entire Historic First Jurisdiction family to show their support during the National Homegoing Celebration being held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach.

I remain your Chief Servant,

Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr.

If available, please support the planning session being held at New Jerusalem COGIC at 7:30 pm.

For more information in regards to the Homegoing Celebration, please visit COGIC Virginia Second Jurisdiction.

The History

Pastor William O. Cornick Jr., is one of seven children born to the late Elder William O. Cornick Sr. and Evangelist Lillie Ann Cornick. Pastor Cornick is a native of Virginia Beach (Seatack area) where he attended St. Stephens COGIC of the First Jurisdiction of Virginia, under the leadership of the late Bishop David C. Love, now led by Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas Sr.

Pastor Cornick is not a novice to serving in the body of Christ or his country. As a child, he has diligently served in the youth choir and sunshine band. In faithful service at age eighteen, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Army, receiving several accommodations and a host of awards that positioned him for the next ranking of an E-6. Due to family commitments, he separated from the Army in 1986, to bask in the last precious hours of his father’s life as he remembered his sayings, “Wait until the smoke clears, so you can assess the damage” and “There’s one thing a man takes to the grave with him: his name.”   

Soon after, Pastor Cornick relocated to the Northern Virginia area.  While coaching football, he was regularly confronted with and directed to Jesus. He acknowledged that no matter where his feet would take him, someone would draw his attention to God. This created the stir in his spirit that he was hell-bound and needed desperately to change his fate.   

The Transformation

Praise the Lord! On September 15, 1995, Pastor Cornick received the gift of salvation and not much later he received the baptism in the Holy Ghost. He remained faithful to the ministry serving as head deacon, usher, drummer, praise team member, security team member and adjutant at his local church. 

In 1999, Pastor Cornick was encouraged to attend a watch night service held at the “Yeshua” COGIC in Manassas, VA. Joining the ministry there, he served in many capacities: Chairman of the Masters’ Builders, Men’s Day coordinator, Men’s Sunday school teacher, YPWW teacher, Pastor’s Aide Committee member, Sanctuary choir member, Men of Promise male chorus, Usher Board member, and Outreach/Mission team.  

He has been a member of the COGIC International Youth Department Juvenile Crime Prevention Reduction Commission since 2009. He has presented Hip Hop Culture seminars and Gang Awareness trainings at all levels of the Church. He serves whole-heartedly in the Great Northern District and Jurisdictional music departments.

As a youth, Pastor Cornick had visions of himself preaching and laying hands on others. The visions continued throughout his adult life until God showed him the letters B.O.B. in 2002. In 2005, the visions were revealed; the ministry was to be named the “Body Of Believers.”  

The Birthing of the New

In summer of 2006, God showed Pastor Cornick a vision of him standing outside, looking at the side of the church building. Instructed to look closely, he heard a thunderous sound resembling an earthquake coming from inside the church. The explosion catapulted the roof into the air. He noticed a suspended hand from the roof, reaching for the earth above the church. As it reached into the earth, the vision was made clear; the Spirit of the Lord named the church the “Body Of Believers Outreach.” Once awake, he shared his vision with his beloved wife, Evangelist Jane Gatlin-Cornick who encouraged him to “write the vision.” He continued to seek the Lord and the godly counsel of his Pastor, Elder Campbell, who imparted wisdom and insight concerning ministry, and continued to pray with him concerning the vision from the Lord. The “Body of Believers Outreach” Church of God in Christ was fully birthed and incorporated on January 8, 2011, and held its first service one week later.

The Mission of the Church

Pastor Cornick’s vision for “B.O.B.O.” is far beyond the four walls. It is to reach those who are in need of spiritual healing and enlightenment. Thus, “Body Of Believers Outreach” COGIC considers themselves to be community oriented. For example, they were blessed to provide food baskets to eight families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. “B.O.B.O.” has also participated in the 31^st District Court Service Unit’s outreach of shopping and delivering groceries to seventy-four families during the Christmas holiday.

Takin’ It 2 The Streets is the signature evangelistic portion of “B.O.B.O.”  and consists of:

• Tent revivals
• Mentoring programs – (Young Marines) for youth from 8-18 years old; teaches discipline and responsibility and is a collaboration with the Commonwealth Challenge Program.
• Mobile care unit
• Clothing boutique
• Food bank
• Internet radio services

In 2010, “B.O.B.O.” established J.O.M.A.X. Theatre Productions (Jane, Oliver, Michael, Alexandra and Xavier). J.O.M.A.X. has presented skits, plays, enactments, and looks forward to hosting full scale productions in the near future as an extension of spreading the gospel.

The Heart of the Man:

Pastor Cornick enjoys playing chess, ping pong and attending sports events. He relishes spending time with his best friend – his wife. Together they share the blessings of three children, Michael, Xavier and Alexandra, who willingly work by his side in the ministry.

Along with his dedication to the service of the Lord, Pastor Cornick is gainfully employed by the Prince William County Government as a Social Worker in the Child Protective Service/Prevention unit. He has also worked in various divisions of the court system, shelters, Juvenile Detention Centers and much more. He is a certified Virginia Gang Investigator.

In answered call to ministry, Pastor Cornick has been endowed with insight, understanding and wisdom concerning the weights of the sinner and believer regarding their past. He understands the strategy of the enemy to use past life styles which preempt the acceptance of the full redemptive work of Christ on the cross. He labors to preach the gospel without compromise, and to let all know that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for all men. His expression is that true forgiveness can be received from God through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“Body of Believers Outreach” COGIC welcomes you to join them in changing lives and making a difference:

Sunday:          Sunday School @ 9:30am & Worship Service @ 11am
Tuesday:        Prayer & Bible Study @ 7:30pm
Thursday:      Community Outreach @ 7:30pm
Friday:           “B.O.B.O.” Family Night

Born to James Sr. and Jewel Williams, James Andrew Williams grew up in the Church Of God In Christ since birth. At age 15 he received the gift of the Holy Ghost and he entered the ministry, accepting his call from God, at the young age of 26.

As a young man growing up in the church, Pastor Williams served singing in the youth and young adult choirs and later was a part of the Deacon’s Board and Trustee Board.

Elder James Williams assumed the Pastorate of Holy Temple COGIC in 1998. He has faithfully served as under shepherd of the flock for the past 13 years.

A dedicated and honorable man of God, Pastor Williams serves in a variety of roles. Aside from preaching the unadulterated Word and leading the people, he goes beyond the pulpit to inspire his church and community.

For the past two years, Pastor Williams has fellowshipped with community churches to ring in the New Year worshipping Christ. On December 31, 2011, he preached the annual message for the “Jesus Celebration,” a fellowship that includes a combined congregation of several churches within the tri-city area. Pastor Williams also teaches multiple end-times workshops and conducts revivals at neighboring churches when called upon. He is truly a pastor that teaches. 

Pastor Williams’ love for all people prompts him to stand upon the uncompromising gospel of Jesus Christ. Regardless of denomination or church affiliation, he boldly proclaims that Jesus is LORD and lets all know that, “if you don’t live right, you WILL go to HELL!” His steadfastness in the Word of God has given him the support of a congregation that loves, honors and respects him. 

Pastor James A. Williams is a modest man that appreciates the simple things in life. He likes to hunt and deep sea fish. It is not unusual to see him playing basketball or going to bowl with the young men and brothers of the church.

Pastor Williams is an honorably loving husband, father and grandfather. Married to the beautiful First Lady Marvis Francine Williams, together they parent five sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. 

There is so much that can be said about our “Pastor of the Month,” but the most prolific and profound attributes are that he is saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. Elder James Andrew Williams is truly a pastor and a man after God’s own heart, and I am honored to call him my pastor.

Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., Jurisdictional Prelate, and Mother Nellie Townes, Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Women’s Department invite you to join the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia at the Thelma G. Vaughan Annual Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest!

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown Richmond Marriott Hotel – 500 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219
Cost: $20

For more than twenty years, Virginia’s First Jurisdiction has gathered for this event – which began under the creativity and effort of the late Mother Thelma G. Vaughan, who served as our Supervisor for more than fifty years.

In an effort to support the Lord’s work, Mother Vaughan planned a day for the saints of Virginia One to gather from around the Commonwealth for a morning of fellowship, food and worship in music and the Word. And in the spirit of friendly competition, each District in the Jurisdiction nominates a baby and raises money – hoping to be named the winning District of the baby contest. Even after her passing, the saints sought to continue her legacy and in 2008 Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. named the prayer breakfast and baby contest in Mother Vaughn’s honor.

So join us for the Thelma G. Vaughn Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest – and find out which District will become the 2012 reigning champion! It is sure to be a day you will not soon forget!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Chairman of the Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest, Asst. Superintendent Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. at pastor@holinesstabernaclecogic.org or 703-497-7928.

Come join Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., State Supervisor Mother Nellie Townes and the entire Historical First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia for the One-Day Gospel Feast! Our invited guest speaker will be Bishop E. Charles Connor of the St. Lucia Jurisdiction COGIC.

The Jurisdiction annually ushers in the New Year with a grand celebration, commonly known as the “Benjamin Feast” and a “Land Slide from Glory.” Each church, families and friends come together to worship the Lord, enjoy fellowship, break bread together and gather the needed resources to prepare the State’s financial budget. 

This is a power packed celebration highlighted with anointed praise, inspiring exhortations, stirring music and old fashion gospel preaching. The pinnacle of the service comes when Bishop Ted Thomas releases a word of instruction and direction for the coming year.

All are encouraged to attend, and those with receptive hearts can walk away expecting to experience the fullness of God throughout the 2012 year! 

For more information about the One-Day Gospel Feast, contact Elder Marc Thomas at 757-484-8903.

See you there!

Under the leadership of our prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., the Historic First Jurisdiction of Virginia will be hosting its yearly Jurisdictional Task Force Meeting, which is designed for leaders of the Jurisdiction to assemble together to strategize and plan the events for the upcoming calendar year:

When: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: Jurisdictional Headquarters, New Community Temple, 3615 Tyre Neck Road, Portsmouth, Virginia

During the Task Force Meeting, participants evaluate the previous year and brainstorm ideas for enhancing current programs, services and events. Emphasis is placed on ensuring the people of the Jurisdiction are edified with teaching, ministry training and relevant worship opportunities.

Specific task force committees include the budget, ways and means, calendar, leadership conference, banquet, public relations, and urban initiative committees. These committees are designed to keep the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia on the cutting edge of ministry – to better serve congregations and reach local communities.

Participation by all leadership within the Jurisdiction is vital. Attendees include Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., administrative assistants, superintendents, assistant superintendents, pastors, elders and licensed ministers of the Jurisdiction. From the Women’s Department, Supervisor Nellie Mae Townes and her assistant, district missionaries, assistant district missionaries and licensed missionaries also join the Meeting. In the past, Bishop Thomas has encouraged pastors to bring lay members so that every quarter of the Jurisdiction has a voice in forming events for the upcoming year.

For more information on the 2012 Jurisdictional Task Force Meeting, please contact Elder Marc Thomas at 757.484.8903.

Click image above to visit gallery

The Historical First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia celebrated the birth of our prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., with a surprise party on Saturday, October 22, 2011. With great pleasure, his leadership staff, along with Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Nellie M. Townes and her staff, showed their love and tribute to this honorable man of God during the monthly state leadership meeting.

With tremendous pride, the District Superintendents and District Missionaries marched with bouquets of balloons as the familiar melody, "Happy Birthday to You" rang throughout the State Temple. All in attendance arose to show their love and respect to this great leader on this special occasion. Mother Nellie Townes presented the bishop with a monetary gift from the Department of Women. Not to be outdone, the men followed suit with their tributes and contributions. Bishop Thomas also received a basket filled with cards from many members around the Jurisdiction over which he presides, including more than fifty churches in parts of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and the District of Columbia. And earlier in the week, his local church body celebrated his birthday with a steak dinner party.  

Although Bishop Thomas admitted that he expected something was going on, it was clear to see the joy and surprise on his face at the full extent of his birthday celebration. The festivities continued as Bishop Thomas took pictures with many members of his staff and guests enjoyed the cake and refreshments. Expressing his gratitude he acknowledged his elation.

The members of this great Jurisdiction pray that the blessings and favor of God abide in Bishop Thomas’ life and with his family today and forever. We recognize our bishop’s loyalty, leadership, diligence and dedication to the body of Christ and we thank the Lord for his wonderful character as a holy man and servant of the most-high God. 

Happy Birthday Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr.! May God bless you with many more!

The following leaders along with their churches extended to Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr. a very happy birthday.

District Superintendents:

William Perry, William Coles, Ronald Sewell, Tony Campbell, David Wright, Ronnie Edmonds, Leslie Thomas, John Lyons, James Obie, and Ernest Whitehead

Assistant District Superintendents:

Timothy White, Eddie Pruitte Jr., and Geno Thomas

Pastors:

James Blackwell, Alexander Boyd, Clifton Cooley, Andie Cork, William Cornick, Wayne Cream, Adolphus Davis, Michael Eaton, Rodney Evans, Samuel Gaskins, Larry Gray, Antonio Gregory, Kenneth Hackett, Walter Harold, Floyd Hawkins, Donald Hurdle, Albert James, Joseph Johnson, James Little Sr., Milton Palmer, Ray Satterfield, Rory Shaw, Frank Smith, Samuel Smith, Baby Stokes, Marc, Thomas, Steven Thomas Sr., Harold Wade, Samuel Walker, James Williams, Ruben Young, and Troy Younger.

Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Department of Women: Mother Nellie Mae Townes

Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor: Mother Waltina James

Elect Lady: Mother Charletta V. C. Thomas

District Missionaries:

Michelle Boyd, Angie Brown, Dorothy Daye, Linda Hawkins, Jessie Hill, Linda Johnson, Judy Little, Emma Lundy, and Navis Wiggins

Assistant District Missionaries:

Myra Hackett, Martha Harrell, Barbara Olds, Joyce Walker, and Mary Wilson