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Posts Tagged ‘Bishop Ted G Thomas Sr’General Board Inaugural Banquet
Thursday, April 18th, 2013
Click the image to enlarge
COGIC Radio Interview: General Board Candidate, Bishop Ted Thomas
Thursday, September 27th, 2012
On Friday September 28, 2012 at 12 PM MST, tune in for an eCOGICRadio.fm and host host Pastor Julius Koonce will stream an exclusive interview with Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr., Candidate for General Board of the Church Of God In Christ.
Ted G. Thomas, Sr. was appointed seventh in succession as prelate of the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia of the Church Of God In Christ in 1984 and has served in this position for more than 27 years. Under his leadership, the Jurisdiction has enjoyed tremendous growth only a few short years. Most recently, in 2009 Bishop Ted Thomas was appointed as an Associate Justice of the National Judiciary Board and Assistant Dean of the Presiding Bishop’s Episcopal Leadership Academy. Bishop Ted Thomas has also served as Commissioner of Operations for the International Holy Convocation, member of the National Publishing Board and member of the Committee to renovate the Lelia Mason Home. Always a strong supporter of his leader, in an unprecedented and historic show of support for the non-profit organization Save Africa’s Children, Bishop Thomas presented Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake with $50,000 during his own 25th Silver Anniversary Celebration in 2009. Bishop Ted Thomas has been anointed by God for such a time as this. He brings an experienced voice and real solutions to the challenges facing the Church Of God In Christ today. He has a record of producing lasting results in his community, his jurisdiction and our national Church – a testament to his capable leadership. More importantly, Bishop Ted Thomas has a record of accountability and is a strong and vocal supporter of our Presiding Bishop. Coupled with his love for our Church and its doctrine, Bishop Ted Thomas has the vision to see the Church Of God In Christ return to its glory as the leader of the Pentecostal Movement. It’s time to usher our Church into her glorious future. It's time to pass the mantle to Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr. for the General Board. COGIC 11/40 Prayer Wall
Wednesday, September 26th, 2012
As the Church of God in Christ approaches HOLY CONVOCATION, the need to INTERCEDE and SEEK the will of God for Revival, Renewal, Breakthrough, Excellence in Ministry, during the HOLY CONVOCATION is VITAL, CENTRAL, AND URGENT. Click the image for more information
98th Annual Holy Convocation
Saturday, July 14th, 2012
Join us August 19-26, 2012 as the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia celebrates its 98th Holy Convocation at New Community Temple Church Of God In Christ located at 3615 Tyre Neck Road, Portsmouth, VA 23703. Click HERE for directions.
Below are highlights of the upcoming celebration! Hotel Accommodations | Top:Hampton Inn Hotel Shut-In | Top:The opening 40 hour period of Fasting and Praying will begin Sunday, August 19th at 10 pm. Prayer Warriors will be praying continuously at New Community Temple until Tuesday, August 21st at 3 pm. All are welcomed to participate! Day Sessions | Top:Services are held at New Community Temple daily at 12 pm and will begin on Tuesday, August 21st.
Evening Speakers | Top:Evening Services are held at New Community Temple daily at 7 pm.
Official Day | Top:
Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 11:00 am Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr
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Friday, August 24, 2012 ~ 12 noon
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
| Package #1 – $55 | Includes registration packet, light meals after service Tuesday through Friday, and dinner on Sunday afternoon. |
| Package #2 – $45 | Includes registration packet and dinner on Sunday afternoon. |
2nd Annual Leadership Summit
Plan Now to Attend the First Jurisdiction of Virginia’s 2nd Annual Leadership Summit
Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. welcomes you to the 2nd Annual Leadership Summit of Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia!
| Schedule: | Friday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 a.m. | |
| Location: | New Community Temple COGIC |
| 3615 Tyre Neck Road | |
| Portsmouth, VA 23703 |
Registration: The cost of registration is $60 and includes all summit materials.
Overview: Through anointed guidance, it is Bishop Ted Thomas’ endeavor that all leaders under his jurisdiction understand the responsibility, and accountability, of effective leadership in all areas of ministry and witness. Given this charge, he has taken up the mantle to lead by example and equip the leadership of our church during a dynamic, powerful and anointed two-day leadership summit.
Training sessions will motivate, fortify and consecrate leaders in this current dispensation to go forward endowed with assurance. Classes are designed to grow leaders, individuals and congregations so that effective ministries are developed to the edification of the body of Christ. Leaders will leave this summit empowered and well prepared in the work of the Lord.
Fully supporting the work of the ministry, Mother Nellie Townes does her part to motivate women in ministry to the same level of effective witness in love, unity, godliness and faithful service. The women’s work develops leaders while giving spiritual guidance for maintaining salvation, prayer for discernment, good decision making and upholding the landmarks of holiness.
So join us for the Virginia One 2nd Annual Leadership Summit and be endowed with knowledge from on high! This will be a training session you will not soon forget!
For more information, please contact New Community Temple COGIC at 757-484-8903.
90th Annual Minister’s and Worker’s Conference Recap
by Asst. Supt. Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Come Over Here Where the Table is Spread and the Feast of the Lord is Going On!
I searched through Google to find the origin of this phrase. Oddly enough, while the result of my inquiry only gave a couple of gospel artist’s names, none were credited with authoring these lyrics. Therefore I will claim the title for the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction’s 90th Annual Minister’s and Workers’ Conference that was held in Richmond during the week of March 19 – 25. What an awesome display of the Lord’s power and glory!
The saints of the jurisdiction enjoyed powerful and anointed preaching, singing and worship as we gathered in the presence of the Lord. We heard messages from several of our local pastors and superintendents including, Pastor William Cornick (Body of Believers COGIC), Superintendent John Lyon (Danville District), Elder Victor Thompson (New Community Temple COGIC), Pastor Walter Harold (Sheep Gate COGIC), and Pastor Floyd Hawkins (Shiloh COGIC). We were also blessed to hear soul stirring sermons from several of our national church leaders – Bishop P. A. Brooks, 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop COGIC; Bishop Joel Lyles, General Secretary COGIC; and Superintendent Dickerson Wells, National Trustee Board member.
We celebrated with our State Supervisor, Mother Nellie Townes, worshipped with our dynamic Jurisdictional Choir under the direction of Evangelist Missionary N. Kimberly Thomas, had a night of elegance with an operatic performance featuring Sister Dei Ashlei Nikoi, and kicked off our bishop’s campaign for the General Board. Having said all of this – I still have not mentioned the highlight of the meeting.
The saints gathered Sunday morning at the Richmond Convention Center, anxious to hear from our beloved leader, Bishop Thomas. The Word of the Lord was presented from I Kings 19 and the theme was, “When Strong Men are Discouraged.” Bishop Thomas expounded on Elijah’s great victory on Mount Carmel (against 850 prophets) – only to flee from Queen Jezebel and ask God to take his life. Bishop Thomas encouraged the saints to trust the Lord and never become puffed up or full of pride – lest we find ourselves in a state like Elijah. As the message concluded, the Spirit of the Lord descended in the auditorium and the saints went forth in praise. As Bishop Thomas prayed and ministered on the altar (yes – dozens of souls responded to the call to discipleship) a mighty Spirit of deliverance swept through the room. How I wish you could have been there!
I trust that you are enjoying your walk in Christ. I pray that you are living victoriously. I pray that you are walking in the greatness the Lord has called us unto and you have not fallen victim to discouragement. However, just in case you need a little help or word of encouragement – come over here where the table is spread, and the feast of the Lord is going on! There’s joy over here, there’s peace over here!
Operatic Soloist, Sis Dei Nikoi, Featured at Ways & Means Banquet
by Evangelist Missy Andrea Mabry (Holiness Tabernacle COGIC)
On Saturday, March 24, Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr., the visionary and prelate of the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia, sponsored the Ways & Means Banquet featuring Holiness Tabernacle COGIC daughter, Sis. Dei Ashilei Nikoi. The eve was young and expectations were high for the banquet’s first operatic concert held in the Marriott Richmond Ballroom. Who would have envisioned an opportunity for a member of the Jurisdiction to perform in the classical arts of opera, an art in which singers perform a dramatic work and music? Truly, Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr. gave many a night to remember.
The evening began with an official welcome from Sis Kellie Seals of Reconciliation COGIC. Following, came the introduction of the soloist by Sis Yolinda McCown of Holiness Tabernacle. As the guests prepared themselves for the concert, one couldn’t help but wonder, what is man that God is so mindful that he shows the work of his hand through His innumerable gifts? Indeed, Sis Dei would show us that God knows what He has bestowed upon us. In her youth, Dei participated in the Sunshine Band and Youth choirs, singing in the alto section. She loved to sing anywhere and everywhere no one could hear her. Finally in high school, she decided to join a choir only to be transferred to the soprano section. From the voice that was in the shadow of the darkness only a few years prior, one would never have guessed the transformation occurring within. In 2007, Sis Dei received her first official voice lesson from Swiss baritone, Valentin Lanzrein, who discovered she had operatic potential. Given her desire to enter law school after graduation, this news definitely came as a surprise. – a surprise that she would one day embrace and give God the glory for her gift.. Post graduation, she rededicated her life to God, was filled with his precious Holy Ghost, and truly began seeking His direction.
On the eve of the banquet, Sis Dei made her debut in front of an audience she could call family, sharing a gift that came from above. With poise and elegance, she entered the room adorned in a beautiful fuchsia gown with her accompanist Karen Dalton, and began with a short explanation that audience members would hear songs in English, Italian and German. Some of the selections for the evening included familiar pieces such as “The Beatitudes” and “The Lord’s Prayer” by Albert Hay Malotte. Less familiar, yet equally beautiful pieces included “Ach ich liebte” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and “Allerseelen” by Richard Strauss. Sis Dei mesmerized with the sheer sound of her vocal prowess and the captivating, dramatic expressions that she poised during her performance. She made us believe that we were at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC or the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. She gave us a performance of love – “A Night of Elegance” will be cherished and remembered. The evening ended with two familiar selections, “Wade in de Water” by H. T. Burleigh and “Summertime” by George Gershwin that brought the whole house to their feet.
At the conclusion of the performance, Dei presented gifts and thanked Bishop Thomas, Mother Charletta Thomas, Mother Nellie Townes and her Pastor, Elder Eddie B Pruitte Jr., for the opportunity to sing to God’s people and their faith.
Bishop Thomas’s Ways & Means Banquet with Sis Dei was truly a grand success! The many comments and outpouring of well wishes from the saints and visiting guests were a blessing. What a beautiful example that God’s talents can be used to glorify Him in a variety of unique and special ways.
Church of the Month – April 2012
Administrative Assist Ronnie Edmonds
Bethlehem Church Of God In Christ
2076 Millville Road
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Phone: 757-485-3067
The Pastor
Superintendent Ronnie Edmonds was born, the sixth child out of eleven children, to the proud parents of Elder Woodley and Maggie Edmonds; their first son. He was reared in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake, and graduated from the Deep Creek High School. He furthered his education at the Norfolk State University, where he pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
His parents firmly believed in raising their children in the fear of God, and as a result, he was saved at an early age. Elder Edmonds came up through the ranks, at Bethlehem and served in such capacities as: Church Usher, Choir Member, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Early Morning Prayer Warrior, Ordained Elder, Assistant Pastor, Second Assistant Pastor, and Trustee Board Member just to name a few. Pastor Edmonds served under the late Superintendent Solomon Ferebee, as Second Assistant Pastor for three years, and Assistant Pastor for twelve years, until the Lord called Superintendent Ferebee home to be with Him, in April of 2001. After an interim period of five months, he was appointed pastor of the Bethlehem Church of God in Christ, on August 26, 2001 and at the same time, like Elisha was given a double anointing; he was appointed the Superintendent of the South Norfolk District. In Virginia Jurisdiction #1, he served as the State Executive Secretary for over twenty years and also as the Financial Secretary.
Pastor Edmonds met and married Miss Debra Benton in 1985. To this union was born two sons; Ronnie Jr. and Fredrick, and one daughter; Maria Christine. Pastor Edmonds is a family man and also a great man of God. One of his favorite saying is, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us; to God be the Glory.” He loves the Lord and the church with all of his heart. Some call him Preaching Machine, Mr. Humble Pie, Mr. Smiley, Mr. Sunday School, but most of all he is a Born Again Christian and an Anointed Man of God. The Lord Be Magnified!
The Church
Bethlehem C.O.G.I.C. “The House of Spiritual Bread,” has been a pillar and beacon of light in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake for over 75 years (from its early stages on Cedar Road to its current location on Millville Road). We are currently in the process of the beginning stages of reconstruction. A lofty size dining area will be added to accommodate the saints for various occasions. In addition, with the technological enhancements of the sound, media and music ministry, the church is positioning itself to be able to reach a massive number of people with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Mission
The mission of the baptized body of believers at Bethlehem C.O.G.I.C is to live victoriously in every area of life by obedience to the word of God and to effectively show sinners the power of God to save from the deepest dungeons of sin.
2012 Theme
“Love, Duty, Service” I Peter 4:8-11
Outreach Ministries
Vacation Bible School
Harvest Festival
Christmas Food Baskets
Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations
Wow Happenings!
Many young adults and teenagers have been getting saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost the old fashioned way—with the evidence of speaking in tongues. When the Spirit gets to moving, these young “thirsty for God” saints can be seen leaping for joy, running around in the spirit, or walking the floor while speaking in tongues. This is proof that all of our youth are not in trouble and that they are a part of the generation that will seek His face. Their God hungry approach to living has been contagious and has caused new life to take place in our Sunday School and Young People Willing Workers’ Departments. To God be the Glory!
Schedule of Services
Sunday: Sunrise Prayer@ 6:00 A.M
Sunday School @ 9:00 A.M.
Worship Service @ 10:30 A.M.
Y.P.W.W. @ 5:50 P.M.
Evening Worship @ 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday: Prayer @ 11:30 A.M.
Wednesday: Prayer and Bible Band/ Home & Foreign Missions@ 7:00 P.M.
Friday: Pastoral Teaching/Focus on the Family @ 7:00 pm
We come to worship and leave to serve!
Bishop Thomas Installs Pastor Harold and the Sheep Gate COGIC into the Jurisdiction!
Contributed By Asst. Supt. Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. (Holiness Tabernacle COGIC)
If you are familiar with ancient Jerusalem, then you know about the Sheep Gate. The Sheep Gate was the first part of the city rebuilt after the captivity; it was where the offerings and sacrifices were brought. Many believe the Pool of Bethesda, the place where Jesus healed the lame man, was near this part of the city. The Sheep Gate is also mentioned as the terminating part of the wall that surrounded Jerusalem – or the “City of God.” And it truly seemed like such a city for those who attended the February 25th installation service of Pastor Harold the Sheep Gate Church Of God In Christ into the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia!
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| View Event Photos |
The saints anticipated a high time in the Lord when it was first announced that a new church was being birthed in our Jurisdiction – Sheep Gate COGIC. Continuing our long-standing practice of blessing a new pastor and congregation spiritually and financially, Bishop Thomas announced that the Jurisdiction would support the church with its attendance. Since his consecration as jurisdictional prelate more than 27 years ago, Bishop Thomas and the saints of Virginia One have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to newly formed and installed pastors and congregations.
Long known for his many talents and powerful preaching, Elder Walter Harold also holds the distinguished position of being one of Bishop Thomas’ sons in the gospel. Despite the numerous installations, the saints knew this service would be a little more special and the worship service proved to be just what was anticipated.
The Jurisdictional Choir opened the service and sang under the anointing – the saints responding as the glory of the Lord filled the room. When it was time for the Word of the Lord, Bishop Thomas preached on the topic, “A Workman Approved of God,” coming out of II Timothy 2:14-21. Bishop Thomas encouraged both Elder Harold and his lovely wife, Missionary Harold, to continue in the Lord and to hold fast to God’s promises.
“Brother Harold,” Bishop Thomas declared, “people will come and go, but the Lord will never leave you!”
After the saints rejoiced again, it was time for the ceremonial installation of the new pastor and congregation. Our hearts beamed with pride as the Elder Harold and officers of the new church came forward to sign their charter and other official documents, birthing them into the Church Of God In Christ. After the jurisdictional officials had signed their names, Bishop Thomas addressed the now Pastor Harold. The saints looked with awe as the distinguished leader was brought to tears; they were all moved to see a father give his blessings and bid his son god speed.
A day that began with praise at the Sheep Gate was now ending with praise and the godly embrace of a leader and new pastor. We praise God and celebrate for a new branch of Zion – Sheep Gate COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor Walter and First Lady Harold!
The Jurisdiction Exceeds Expectations at the 2012 Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest
Written by Evangelist Irether Sanford
In the words of Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia, Mother Nellie M. Townes, “To God be the glory for the great things He is doing among and through us!”
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| View Event Photos |
On Saturday, February 11, the Thelma G. Vaughan Memorial Annual Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest took place in the grand ballroom of the Richmond Marriott hotel. Saints from every district came out in large numbers to show their support for the event.
The ballroom was quickly converted into a house of worship as the Jurisdictional Choir set the atmosphere with their renditions of Jesus is the Light and There’s No One Like You. Next came a season of sanctified prayer as various district superintendents declared blessings upon the Jurisdiction, the nation, the babies, and the sick and shut-in.
Evangelist Missionary Vivian Pruitte gave a special presentation to our Elect Lady, Mother Charletta Thomas, providing a single rose to the rose of our Jurisdiction. With her usual elegance, Mother Thomas followed with greetings to the church body.
Soon after it was time for the Word. Superintendent John H. Lyon of the Danville Virginia introduced the speaker of the hour, Pastor James A. Williams of Holy Temple COGIC.
“Now don’t you let any of those forks and knives come flying this way,” Elder Williams began with a smile, noting that the waiters had not removed all of the eating utensils and glasses from the table. An anointed man of God, Elder Williams preached the unadulterated Word with conviction and boldness, focusing on the topic “God, Who Has Allowed Us.”
The service could not end without remarks from Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., prelate of the Jurisdiction. Bishop Thomas exhorted the people of God to stir up the gift that God had placed within them and reminded the Jurisdiction to remember the old landmarks – our theme for 2012.
Before long, the entire house was on its feet as Bishop Thomas reiterated his decision to run for the 2012 General Board of the Church Of God In Christ.
“It’s time to pass the mantle!” he echoed throughout the ballroom to cheers and applause.
Finally, it was time to announce the winner of the baby contest. The contest is a fun way for the districts to support the ministry of the Jurisdiction. Through friendly competition, each district sponsors a baby to see who can raise the most.
A hush filled the room as people waited to hear the outcome of a long-standing competition between the two reigning districts – the Great Northern District, who has taken home the prize for the last several years, and the Central District who often places just behind them. With cheers and excitement, Missionary Judy Little announced William Marson Simuel Thomas, son of Elder Marc and Missionary Kim Thomas, as the winning baby – with the Central District raising just over $8,500 for his district!
The adorable faces of cute little ones in their outfits far exceed expectations as the contestants provoked each other to good works – surpassing the previous year’s benchmark and making everyone winners.
In closing, Mother Townes reiterated her elation at the success of the benefit. “Let’s keep this love,” she expressed. For indeed, that is how the First Jurisdiction of Virginia operates together – in love!
