Posts Tagged ‘Bishop Ted G Thomas Sr’Good Shepherd’s Service a Great Success!
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
St. Stephens Joins Holiness Tabernacle in the Celebration By Sister DeAnna Pruitte
Our Good Shepherd’s service on Saturday, December 17 was a huge success: financially and spiritually! It started with an awesome prayer from Elder Green, followed by a scripture from Deacon Howard reminding us how Christ died for us while we were yet in our sins (Romans 5:1-8). Our praise team added to the fire leading the congregation in “High and Lifted Up” and “No One Else.” As the fire grew and grew, Mother Cassidy, came with a dynamic welcome that lit the whole church on fire. After a quick praise break where Holiness Tabernacle (HTC) and St. Stephens church members shouted right alongside each other, Mother Tally of St. Stephens gave the response, singing her rendition of “Travelling Shoes.” Sister DeAnna brought forth our purpose, remarking that the purpose had been altered by the Spirit of God. While it was originally to fellowship, raise money for our Good Shepherd, and honor the Good Shepherd of St. Stephens, our jurisdictional prelate, God had other plans and we were just along for the ride! The place was packed with both people and the Holy Ghost. God’s presence filled the room to remind us that our coming was not in vain. HTC’s choir rendered the first selection, “Glory and Honor,” and was later followed by St. Stephens choir with “Lord I Thank You.” During the offering, we were told Bishop Thomas left specific instructions of what St. Stephens was to raise for our church and they delivered! Elder Hughes delivered the Word of God, ““Hope and Quietly Wait on the Lord” coming from Lamentations 3:21-24. The message was concluded with a soul stirring solo, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Immediately after, Elder Mabry came to do the altar call and explained that that had been one of his favorite songs because it reminded him that no matter how far he got in life, he wasn’t deserving of any of it, but instead it was only because of God’s mercy and faithfulness. After God was through having His own way with us, we were able to gather ourselves back together for final presentations. Mother Thomas was presented with two large poinsettia plants in her absence and, along with his speaker’s offering, Bishop Thomas was presented with a beautiful gift basket filled with his favorite food items. Leading the church in the final benediction, Elder Guilford reminded the church of the passage in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
97th Annual Holy Convocation Recap
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011
The First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia Church Of God In Christ – 97th Annual Holy Convocation Perhaps you’re too young, but are you familiar with the song lyrics, “Put your mind on Jesus, we’re going to have a time)”? Well if you are, there is a verse that says, “When the saints get together (we’re going to have a time). Talkin’ ‘bout a good time (we’re going to have a time).” Well that pretty much sums up the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia Church Of God In Christ 97th Annual Holy Convocation!
Tuesday evening was another historic service. An 87 voice male chorus marched in and worshipped the Lord in song – it was awesome! As I glanced around the choir (I participated as well) I noticed several members from the HTC Male Chorus and my heart was made glad. I was made proud even more proud when Bishop Thomas stood and beamed as he took pictures. When he addressed the congregants, he said he was inspired to permit the jurisdictional male chorus after visiting Holiness Tabernacle and hearing our male chorus. Praise be to God! Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Dr. Rance Allen delivered an anointed Word from the Lord – “Let’s Pull it Together.” The following nights the Lord blessed us over and over again through Evangelist Joyce Rodgers and Bishop Prince Bryant.
Friday morning the Women’s Department led the services. We were blessed as our own Jurisdictional Supervisor, Mother Nellie Townes, blessed our souls with some good old fashioned teaching. To demonstrate their support, several supervisors and bishop’s wives from neighboring jurisdictions were in attendance. At the conclusion of the service, HTC’s own Missionary Andrea Mabry was elevated to the office of Evangelist Missionary! Sometime during Friday night, hurricane Irene visited, but that did not deter the saints of Virginia First. We gathered bright and early Saturday morning for our communion and ordination services. Pastor Stephen Thomas of the South Norfolk District stirred our souls with a message admonishing us to take ministry seriously. Then I was blessed again to witness HTC’s own Minister John Mabry be elevated and ordained to the office of elder. Bless our God! Less I fail to mention, we worshipped God without electricity in the church – but the Lord met us! Sunday morning found the saints gathering again to praise God without electricity in the building – it seemed to encourage us to worship God even more fervently. I believe wholeheartedly in supporting the vision of my pastor, so it did my heart glad to hear Bishop Thomas announce that Holiness Tabernacle placed second among all the churches in the jurisdiction for the number of Convocation registrations. The jurisdictional choir sang under the anointing and Bishop Thomas preached a powerful Word. From Matthew chapter 6 we were encouraged to get to know Jesus by taking up His yoke. The saints worshipped God so mightily the building seemed to rock again, but it wasn’t an earthquake, it wasn’t a hurricane, it was to power of God! Bishop Joseph Clemens – a visiting speaker summed it up best when he gave closing remarks. “It seems as though the Lord allowed the power to remain off, so that the real Power would be poured out.” Yes – we had a hand clappin’, foot stompin’ good time at the 97th Annual Holy Convocation! VA 1st 97th Annual Holy Convocation
Friday, August 12th, 2011
2011 Annual Men’s Day: A Historic Occasion!
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
It was another historic, memorable and anointed day for Holiness Tabernacle as we celebrated our Annual Men’s Day.
The day began with an anointed word from one of our associate elders – Elder Joseph Guilford delivered a soul stirring message; asking us if the Lord was truly our shepherd (Psalm 23). The power of God was prevalent and real as the saints received the Word and rejoiced. An even greater praise went up to the Lord as a visitor gave her life to Christ and her family joined the church. This set the stage for our second service. One could feel the excitement and buzz as the members, friends and many guests filled the church almost to capacity. Guest pastors, Superintendent Tony Campbell (and Yeshua COGIC), Pastor Wayne Cream (and Holy Mount Zion TOD) and Pastor Satterfield (and Save A Life COGIC), were in attendance to celebrate with and support our local Men’s Department as well. Worship and praise filled the air and when our Bishop, his wife and their guests arrived, a thunderous applause went up. As the program continued, our hearts were certainly made glad. The HTC Male Chorus, led by Brother Napoleon Paxton, soon to be ordained deacon, worshipped in song – Two Wings. Their second selection, He’s Able, led by one of HTC’s newest members, Brother Senghor Robinson, brought the congregants to their feet. Then it was time for the Word. Bishop Thomas’ ministered from Luke 5 – the account of the fishing drought: “If At First You Don’t Succeed, Don’t Give Up – God Will Make A Way.” Bishop Thomas, just back from our International AIM Convention in Houston and a three and a half hour drive, was in rare form. He explained how the enemy captures our minds and causes us to doubt God and His Word. He explained that the disciples’ failure was real, their discouragement was real, and their frustration was real. However, they had a nevertheless attitude. They gave Jesus and themselves another chance. The congregation again rejoiced and then it was time for the next memorable event – the ordination of three of the church brothers: David Moses, Napoleon Paxton and Morris Rowe to the office of deacon. Pastor Pruitte explained to the men and those in attendance the role and responsibilities of a deacon. He reminded them they were being ordained to assist the pastor in tending to the flock; they were being ordained in the Church Of God In Christ to defend the Church, and they were being ordained as deacons to be examples holiness to their families first, then their church family, then their neighbors. Bishop Thomas and Pastor Pruitte then anointed the men and prayed a prayer of blessing over them. Pastor Pruitte then gave each of the new deacons a beautifully framed ordination certificate.
The next historic event was the promotion of Deacon Jeffrey Howard to the office of Deacon Board Chairman. Pastor Pruitte continued to make the claim that Deacon Howard holds the title as the “World’s Greatest Deacon” – and no one disagreed with him on that day! Finally, in a surprising move, Pastor Pruitte officially licensed Minister Eugene McCown, Jr. and gave him his certificate beautifully framed and signed by Pastor Pruitte and Bishop Thomas. Minister McCown, who prides himself with being on top of things, was obviously surprised. Minister McCown, who serves our National Church as National Adjutant Brother, was recently appointed by Bishop Williams (National Adjutant General) as the Chairman of Operations for the National Adjutancy. During the 2011 Virginia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Worker’s Meeting, he was appointed as the Assistant to the Jurisdictional Secretary. Locally, he is the President of our Pastor’s Aid Committee and several other duties – perhaps most notably maintaining and hosting our website as well as several others for the Church Of God In Christ. As the service concluded, I found myself lying in bed recounting the days’ events. I played each event over and over in my head and found it difficult to sleep. I remembered Elder Guilford’s message, the young lady giving her life to Christ; I remembered the many friends who came to share; I remembered Bishop Thomas’ message; I remembered the looks on those brothers faces as we laid hands and blessed them; I remembered the godly pride I felt as Deacon Howard received his license; I remembered the tears in Minister McCown (and his wife’s) eyes as he received his license. I counted myself blessed and highly favored of God to have witnessed such an anointed and historic day! Grand Opening Ceremony!!!
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Located right on the doorsteps of Woodbridge – the corner of Old Bridge and Occoquan – Holiness Tabernacle is continuing nearly 12 years of ministry as a community-minded house of worship. Whether through our Hallowed One’s Day with bumper cars, moon bounce and other youth friendly activities, our fully operational food and clothes pantry, or our recent Free Turkey Giveaway where we distributed more than 100 turkeys to families, we want to play an active role and share the love of Christ to those in the surrounding area. Come join us as we celebrate our grand opening Saturday, February 27! With the help of the Lord and your prayerful support, we endeavor to be a light of hope to this community. For more information, please call us at 703-497-7928. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday! All are welcome! |
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We began Sunday, August 21 with a 40 hour shut-in. In a day when people are committing less time to the essential ingredients, Bishop Thomas and the saints of Virginia #1 gathered for prayer and fasting for forty consecutive hours: beginning just before midnight on Sunday night until Tuesday afternoon. One of the most memorable events occurred on Tuesday afternoon while Bishop Thomas was teaching the saints about holy living – we experienced an earthquake! Even as the floor shook and the walls wavered, the saints continued to worship.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the grand opening of Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ with Pastor and Mrs. Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. and the entire HTC family at its new location of 1440 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge, Saturday, February 27 at 11:00a.m. Highlighting this glorious occasion, the honored Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. and the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia will be in attendance as we joyfully praise God for His blessings on our church. |
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