Archives for the ‘Women’ CategoryAnnual Women’s Weekend 2011
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
The women of Holiness Tabernacle pulled off a spectacular affair for this year’s Annual Women’s Weekend! As with previous years, preparations for the event began months in advance as the women assembled registration bags and welcome folders. These folders included a collection of helpful information and articles written by our very own church authors and were compiled in the Annual Women’s Tea newsletter.
The decorations for the Women’s Tea were a major hit. Shades of purple graced the church sanctuary, in addition to elegant tableware, from the center pieces to the immaculate table settings. Sister Yolinda McCown’s event planning company, A Time N Place, meticulously considered every detail as she and her crew created a vision for the event that all would remember. After a sumptuous feast, the women received a presentation on a deadly disease that is plaguing African-American men and women – lupus. Two survivors of the dreadful disease, Sister Simmons and Sister Carter, spoke on their experiences with living with the disease and how it is silently attacking the African-American women population in large numbers. They then went on to tell of God’s goodness and healing power in their lives – a true testimony that encouraged the hearts of all those who were there! Following the presenters, invited guest speaker Evangelist Dianne Rogers, First Lady of True Saints Church of God in Christ in Hartville, South Carolina, brought forth manna from heaven, echoing HTC’s theme for this year, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” Before addressing the group, Evangelist commented on the elegance of the event. “I thought I would be sipping tea,” remarked Evangelist Rogers, “but instead I’m eating a full delicious meal!” After the powerful message from Evangelist Rogers, the Lord blessed and moved mightily as women came to the altar for prayer. On Sunday morning, our own Mother Pruitte spoke on the topic “Equipped for Ministry” and told the congregation that if their members (i.e. their body) were working, then they were indeed equipped to work in the Lord’s kingdom. Later that afternoon for our Annual Women’s Day service, the women marched down the aisle with their offering – not only meeting their financial goals but in friendly competition, exceeding the goal of the Men’s Department. The culmination of the entire weekend came Sunday evening when Evangelist Rogers picked up where she left off during the Saturday Tea. Needless to say, the Spirit of the Lord fell among the congregation again and the church walked away blessed and prepared to carry on the work of the Lord. It’s no secret God has continuously shined His favor upon the members of Holiness Tabernacle and the great success of this year’s Annual Women’s Weekend is yet another testament to His goodness. Holiness Tabernacle’s Crowned Jewel, Mother Vivian Valdez Pruitte
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
2011 First Lady Day's Theme: “A Diadem in the Master's Hand”
As Sister Benjamin, the Mistress of Ceremony, took her place, the presence of the Lord was already in building to move on His people. This day was set aside in honor of our First Lady, but God was still given all the praise and glory.
Sister Green came in her own way sharing words of love to Mother Pruitte and expressing how much she appreciated our First Lady. Following Sister Green, Sister Majors came with the Word of God in her hand. She compared Mother Pruitte to Esther, a woman of God who stood for her people, even if it cost her life. Brother John Mabry, III gave words about Mother Pruitte as well. He pointed out that she encourages the youth to remember their lines when they are rehearsing for an upcoming play. When it was time for acknowledgements and presentations, Mother Pruitte received calls from family members. She spoke to her brother, niece and mother. Everyone in the sanctuary listened with interest to the conversations that were going on. In her own humorous way, sister Delia Pruitte told the congregation, “I am her favorite!” and indeed, several members expressed that Mother Pruitte has a unique way of making everyone feels as though they are truly her favorite person to be around. Sister Pruitte then presented a heart-felt media slide show, which brought tears to her mother's eyes. Following the video clips, Mother Pruitte was presented with 12 beautiful roses from members of the congregation. What a lovely sight to see and so deserving for a precious Jewel. Mother Cassidy presented Mother Pruitte with a gorgeous black dress and matching hat, her own personal “diadem,” on behalf of the Mother’s Board. Sister Nikoi serenaded Mother Pruitte with an operatic selection called “Ebben N'Andro Lontana” by Alfredo Catalani. She then sang “Majesty” by TD Jakes and really blessed our souls.
Time was winding down and the saints were ready to hear from heaven. Mother Benjamin had the privilege of presenting Mother AmeldA Jones, our honored speaker and president and founder of Father Answers Intercessors Travailing in Holiness (FAITH) International Ministries. The people of God were excited to hear from this great prayer warrior, teacher and author. Mother Jones encouraged Mother Pruitte, God's diadem and the HTC Jewel, to keep teaching God's Word. Through scriptures, she pointed out the blessings in store for those who teach and preach God's Word. Mother Pruitte received encouragement and words from Mother Jones, a modern day Titus 2 woman. Mother Jones not only encouraged Mother Pruitte, but the entire Church to be accountable and to be that “light on the hill.” She went on to exhort the people of God to pray the pastor's vision through to fruition. Before Mother Jones took her seat, she instructed key leadership to pray for First Lady and Pastor Pruitte. The Holy Ghost took control from then on and the Spirit of God moved and ministered in the hearts and souls of the people. A young man and woman joined the church that same hour – two more souls for the work of the kingdom! God is awesome and glorious is His ways, even on First Lady Day! Before Mother Ward, another Titus chapter 2 woman, dismissed the service, Mother Pruitte gave closing remarks, thanking her church family for their love and support – and it was clear that her heart was made glad by the special program. Then, continuing the running joke that had been shared throughout the service, she went on to express that everyone was her favorite, especially her husband, Pastor Pruitte. All in all, First Lady Day was a day of celebration for a dynamic, precious Jewel. Everyone who came out to celebrate her day was blessed. We all received a Word from the Lord and praised God for sending us Mother Pruitte, “a diadem in the Master’s Hand.” Such a fitting theme for a true woman of God. The Women of HTC Had a Time at the 61st International Women’s Convention and Crusade!
Sunday, July 3rd, 2011
This year, several women from Holiness Tabernacle attended the 61st Women’s Convention and Crusade in Dallas, Texas. Below are short reflections and photos of some of the woman’s experience, the services they attended and the enjoyable time they had. From Mother Deborah Brown: For those women who may not have attended an International Women’s Convention and Crusade before, here is a breakdown of some of the services for the week:
Theme: Holy Women Focused on God’s Agenda for the Church (Luke 4:18, John 9:4)
From Mother Freda Benjamin:
Mother Rivers brought an inspiring message encouraging the women to seek God for strength through prayer, fasting, faith and wisdom. She said, “Go all the way for God! Say yes to God!” Mother Rivers asked the audience if there were any “Yes Lord” women in the house and to that, there was a resounding “Yes!” from the women in the audience. From Mother Doris Cassidy: I had the opportunity to attend the Women’s Convention Symposium. These classes are on issues that the body of Christ face every day. Saints of the most high God, we must build up our families spiritually and naturally. Two topics covered at the Symposium included:
Class 1: Widowhood, Divorce, Loss… Understanding the Grief Process: Preparing for Your Future! This class encouraged the women to prepare for their future by having a will. We were reminded that if we don’t have a will, the state will step in and take over. A will allows you to:
Holy women of God, we must talk about death. Some topics we fail to discuss with our love ones. We can change a doctor appointment or perhaps a hair appointment, but death is one appointment that can’t be changed. During the class you could feel the instructor’s hurt as she was in the healing process, but in a dream, God revealed to her to exit out to where she could discover joy. Class 2: Victorious in Conquering the Struggle with Gender Identity (Loved One or Personal) This class reminded the women to continue praying and fasting for loved ones that we have before God. In the class, we heard the testimony of Regina, a woman raised in the church who questioned her sexual identity at a young age. She didn’t share this issue with everyone and at the age of 20 got married and had two children. After marriage, Regina was seduced by her son’s teacher and they had a three year affair. When she refused to leave her husband, the teacher then seduced her husband, ripping the marriage apart. Regina moved to another state and lived as a man for thirty years, calling herself Reginald. She even bought a house and lived with another woman. Despite her lifestyle, her sister called her every week and kept her before GOD praying and fasting and telling her the devil would not have her. After thirty years, Regina went back to church and God saved her and filled her with the Holy Ghost. A year later God had saved her ex-husband, filled him with the Holy Ghost and told him to take back his wife. God restored their marriage and the saints were reminded to continue praying for loved ones. There is no failure in God! From Mother Freda Benjamin:
For me, the memories are what I’ll treasure the most. Some of the greatest highlights for me included:
Needless to say I’m looking forward to heading out to “hot ATL” next year where the 62nd International COGIC Women’s Convention and Crusade will convene! Come go with me!
Get Back Up and Keep Going – July 2K11 WTLB
Friday, July 1st, 2011
Have you ever tripped or stumbled over something and fell; maybe in your house, on the job, somewhere out walking, or perhaps in the mall? True enough, it may have been an embarrassing moment. However, you got up, and if needed, you brushed yourself off and continued on your journey or task. The real question is how many times have you somehow fallen? For many, the answer is countless times.
According to dictionary.com, a just man is someone who is guided by truth, reason, justice and fairness. Also, synonyms or characteristics of a just man are upright, fair, honest and merited. In the song titled, “We Fall Down” by Donnie McClurkin, just men (and women) are the “we” in the song. The song goes on to tell us that it’s not too late to rise back up again. If you’ve fallen, you can get back up again without condemnation. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned (fallen) and have come short of the glory of God. However, it is up to each individual person to ask God for forgiveness, believe that He has forgiven you, and keep going: keep fasting, keep praying, keep serving, keep trusting and keep believing. Once you have fallen, don’t allow the devil to keep you down. You must immediately pray and ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself and let God put you back in your rightful place. In other words, get back up and keep going. Humbly submitted, Sister Melissa Nibblett Celebrate With Us at the HTC Women’s Annual Weekend!
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Come join First Lady Pruitte and the women of Holiness Tabernacle as we celebrate our Women’s Annual Weekend! This year we are honored and pleased to have Evangelist Dianne Rogers of True Saints COGIC in Hartsville, SC as our guest speaker. Bring your mother, daughter, nieces, aunts and girl friends and come expecting to receive something special from the Lord! Women’s Tea
Women’s Annual Day
Am I Worthy? – June 2K11 WTLB
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
By Missionary Andrea Mabry Are there days when you feel alone and in despair, but you survive seeing the dawning of new days and wonder, why? Do you find yourself going through the motions of life, but yet not living? Do people often notice your smile and laugh, but within there is a voice crying out hoping to be heard?
“When I thought I had overcome, people or things remind me that I would always be bound by my past. My identity is labeled and this is just who I am. I am faced with challenges that are insurmountable. Over and over I try, but there seems to be no other way. My anger, though hidden with my smile, has moved from depression to resentment. Can you hear my voice within? Am I Worthy?” “I still find myself not good enough. Sometimes, I do not feel worthy to be alive, but yet I walk this earth. Tears fill my eyes and I am broken yet again. I have beaten myself mentally and there appears to be no end. Who can truly love me when I cannot love the reflection I see? Am I Worthy? AM I WORTHY?” Most definitely, You Are Worthy! God developed provisions before you were formed in your mother’s womb. God knew your gender and your name. From the moment you took your first gasp of air until now, He was mindful of you. God knew the choices you would make and the path you would follow, yet you were worthy. In spite of your circumstances, your emotions and your past or present, be reminded:For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus went to Calvary to save a wretch like you and me. Why? Did you knowGod said, Behold, All souls are mine (Ezekiel 18:4a)? We belong to God and He loves us unconditionally. Are you worthy? Yes! How many times have you gone against His will? 100, 200, 500… can you actually count the times? From experience, they have been innumerable, but once you ask for forgiveness, He forgives with extended arms. The embrace of God our Father through Jesus His son is so rewarding and warm. Yes, You Are Worthy! Even though He sinned not and neither was guile found in His mouth, Jesus paid the price for the sins of mankind. He endured the humiliation and suffering and made the ultimate sacrifice for you to have the gift to eternal life. He knew the obstacles you would encounter and the falls along the way. Be reminded of this, that His grace is sufficient. Paul says inI Corinthians 12:9, 10, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. If you know Jesus, then restoration is only a whisper away. If you do not know God the Father through His son Jesus, then the greatest gift and miracle that came to this earth is right here for you. Jesus knows all about your struggles and He knows every sin committed, but He forgives, guides, loves, protects and transforms. I John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. To be free and saved, you only have to ask for forgiveness, believe in your heart that Jesus died and God raised him from the dead, and you shall be saved. From that point onward, be strong! Do not look back on your past, you are a new person in Jesus. Do not allow people or things to weigh you down and do not permit your mind to be defeated. Seek God and live according to His word. Look up and rest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ knowing, You Are Worthy! Throwing Stones – May 2K11 WTLB
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the By Sis Daelena Paxton A couple of weeks ago, I was driving through the neighborhood. As I was coming downhill, I saw a woman crossing the street and motioning her hand to me. I thought to myself, “What does this woman want?” As I got closer, I realized she didn’t look too happy. I slowed down because I was approaching a stop sign. Once I stopped, Unfortunately, many people use John 7:1 as an excuse for bad behavior. Judge not, that ye be not judged. Verses 3 through 5 go on to talk about telling your brother about the mote in his eye, when there is a beam in your own eye. Okay, okay, maybe I could stand to slow down a little, but maybe that lady should take the beam out of her eye, and stop worrying about the mote in mine (lol… kidding)! To be fair, I’m sure she’s concerned about the drivers speeding through her neighborhood, especially because there is a playground nearby, where children often play. Let this be a lesson to us all. Before you judge, take a look at your actions first… instead of using "Judge not…" as an excuse. Serve – April 2K11 WTLB
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
By Mother Doris Cassidy What does it mean to serve God? God is awesome and deserves all honor and glory. Serving God can mean to direct our time, attention and talents toward Him. Serving is a form of worship and requires preparation. SERVE GOD WITH A PERFECT HEART
David was informing his son that he must worship God with a perfect heart and serve him with a willing mind because the Lord searches all hearts and understands our motives, desires and thoughts. Nothing can be hidden from God. God demands complete devotion. You need to be completely open and dedicated to God. SERVE WITH FAITHFULNESS HEBREW 11:6, But, without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is. And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Faith is confident trust in God’s promises. Faith enables Christians to face trails. Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God when we are under fire. We need to have faith as the three Hebrew boys. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego was thrown into the midst of the burning fiery furnace believing that God was able to deliver them. We must know that even in the fire God is with us. MATTHEW 25:21, His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou been faithful over a few things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. F= FOUND A= ANSWERS I= IN T= THE H= HOLY GHOST SERVE WITH OBEDIENCE OBEY- To carry out orders and commands. GENSIS 22:18, And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou had obeyed my voice. 1 Samuel 15:22, And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . . 1 HEBREW 13:17, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. True obedience to God and keeping His commandments bring forth blessings. Disobedience to God and not keeping His commandment bring forth curses. In the word of God, it is written that obedience is better than sacrifice. As Christians, we must fear God, instead of being like Saul, who feared the people. To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God. When we can learn to obey God, then we will have no problem doing as it says in Hebrews 13:17, Obey them that have rule over you. Be obedient to your Pastor and leaders of the church. When our leaders are in line with Word of God, WHAT’S WRONG WITH OBEYING THEM? SERVE WHILE SUFFERING When we suffer, we must know that God had not abandoned us. The book of Job shows a good man suffering for no apparent reason. Job lost his possessions, his children and his health. Job never placed his hope in his experience, his wisdom, his friends or his wealth. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, but Job continued to trust in God. Job endured and God blessed him with more than he had before. SERVE WHILE WAITING Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles’ they shall walk, and not faint. When you feel all of life is crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength. SERVE BY HELPING ROMAN 12:11, Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We must not make excuses for our laying back and doing nothing in the body of Christ. We are many members but one body. There are several auxiliaries where you can serve God. Be faithful and serve with joy and a willing mind. Serve to honor God and let Him get the glory. Seek God’s approval and not man’s. A Device of Satan – February 2K11 WTLB
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
By Sis Jewell Miles
Paranormal activity use to be a taboo subject that was rarely talked about in public. As seen from the many examples of paranormal television shows and movies, this has now changed. It is not uncommon to turn on the television and become mesmerized by one of these shows. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) states, Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Paranormal television shows and movies are devices used by Satan to ensnare or trap people. A trap is a trick of an enemy to take you captive and prisoner. To trap a wild animal some have used a spring like device with a lure or enticing bait to conceal the danger. Digging a big hole in the ground and covering it with branches and leaves so that the danger is not recognized is another way to set a trap. People or animals could fall into this trap if they walk across it. Whether you realize it or not, you are walking down a figurative trail in life and Satan has placed many concealed traps in your path to take you captive. Psalm 119:110 states, The wicked have set their traps for me along your path…. The traps of the enemy are many times laced with enough truth and good that it appears to be something desirable. This is a common practice of the enemy. He usually does not start with the blatant, obvious lies; he always starts with the truth and mixes in a few lies here and there. By doing this he disguises the lies and makes them harder to recognize and easier to accept. While natural traps are hidden dangers to your physical well being, spiritual traps are hidden pitfalls that are intended for your spiritual harm. Since Satan is not physically present in the world and it is not possible for him to be in physical manifestation, he uses people to set traps for other people. Satan works very hard to deceive everyone, but many times he concentrates on a select few to deceive and then he uses them to deceive others. Exodus 23:33 says, They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee [emphasis mine]. One of Satan’s most deceitful tactics is to deny his existence in the world and down play it in the local church. This strategy is the absolute opposite of God’s desire for His people. God desires for His people …to believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, as stated in Hebrews 11:6. Paranormal shows and movies allow Satan to deny his existence by desensitizing people from the realization that he actually exists. He is therefore under-estimated, ignored or denied, freeing him to go about his business unhindered, unheeded and unchecked. In any warfare, accurate intelligence information concerning the enemy’s plan of attack has always been essential to victory. This is no less true of spiritual warfare. In our warfare against Satan, it is vitally important not to be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Neither give place to the devil – your adversary will strive to influence your mind and irritate your spirit; watch and pray that he may not get any place in you, or controlling influence over you. Perfect Peace – January 2K11 WTLB
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Oh how I longed to be in perfect peace every day of my life! Lord, how do I wake up and just have a wonderful day, all day, every day? I asked myself this question many times as my day had already begun to go wrong. The world would determine how my day would go. Sometimes, even before I got up out of bed, my mind was made up that this was not going to be a good day for me or even the people I came in contact with. We all know the old saying, "misery loves company."
O GOD, thou art my GOD; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
Blessings, Aspiring Missionary Williams |
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Every year, thousands of women look forward to the week starting right after Memorial Day and not because they want to shop at all the holiday sale events! Rather it is because that is when the Church Of God In Christ hosts its annual Women’s Convention and Crusade – a time when women from across the world gather together to praise and magnify the Lord.
61st Women’s International Convention and Crusade
Wednesday, June 1
During the first service on Tuesday, Mother Willie Mae Rivers’ night, the serviced opened with a memorial of the saints who had died since the last Convention. Next was the Banner Parade of the different ministries that fall under the Women’s Department and I was glad to see that the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia was well represented in the parade. Not only that, but the women were warmly welcomed by the first lady of Texas and the host bishop, Bishop J. Neaul Haynes.
On Friday, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, ended the Convention with the message “Rejected, But Selected.” He stated the Samaritan woman was rejected not only by other races, but she was even rejected by other Samaritan women. Bishop Blake reminded us that just because man may reject or despise you, it doesn’t mean Jesus will. He said, “When you are down to nothing you are just right for God.”
In the spiritual realm, we fall just the same when we sin. However, it is up to us to repent of that sin (get back up) and continue on our spiritual journey. Proverbs 24:16a says for a just 
Are you the one in shadow thinking, “Oh my, what have I done? I do not feel anything, I do not know what directions to follow, so much is expected and it is just overwhelming. I have committed the unmentionable sin and am not worthy of anything. I tried to be a positive reflection of good, but am haunted by the destruction I have done to others and myself. Am I Worthy?”
I figured out that she was telling me that I needed to slow down. I know this woman wasn’t talking to me. Not her telling me to slow down (my neck is rolling at this point), while she jaywalks across the street… and they just re-painted the crosswalk markings?!? Is she crazy?
1 CHRONICLES 28:9, And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth, all the imaginations of the thoughts;…
Paranormal television shows and movies are now on at all times of the day and can be seen on many different channels. Some of these television shows and movies include The Vampire Diaries, Ghost Hunters, Medium, Ghost Whisperer, Most Haunted, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever popular Twighlight Saga.
Well, one day I made up my mind to choose better company. The company I now choose to keep is the one you could introduce to everyone and never be embarrassed or wonder if they would let you down. My company is there for me no matter what time of day it is. I learned to seek His face early in the morning and JESUS now determines my day! Seek Him early and He will make your day! |
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