The 99th Holy Convocation of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia, which took place August 19-25, was a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing – and the members of Holiness Tabernacle were not only attendees, but active participants in the godly celebration! Under the leadership of General Board Member and Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., all who joined in the services were truly blessed of the Lord.
Bishop Thomas began the Convocation with 40 hours of prayer and fasting at New Community Temple Church Of God In Christ in Portsmouth, Virginia. Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr., Sister Lillian Delarge, Elder Eugene and Sister Yolinda McCown were among those who turned down their plates and bowed themselves in prayer during this time of consecration to invite the Lord to have His way during the meeting.
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Throughout the week, mighty men of God delivered a powerful Word from the Lord; they included: Pastor Corby Bush of Dallas, Texas; Bishop L. Rance Allen of Toledo, Ohio; Dr. Leonard Levott of Washington, DC; Bishop Isaac King of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Supt. Linwood Dillard of Memphis, Tennessee.
It is said that good music can help prepare hearts and minds to receive the Word. Under the direction of choir president, Missionary Kim Thomas, members of Holiness Tabernacle lent their voices to the 100-person State Choir and helped usher in His Spirit. Not only did Sister DeAnna Pruitte and Sister McCown lead several songs, Sister Delia Pruitte and Sister Dymond Starr also added their vocals to the anointed, mass choir.
Every year, the Friday day service of the Convocation is devoted to the Women’s Department – for empowering workshops and to celebrate our state supervisor, Mother Nellie Townes. Under the direction of Dean Thelma Gatlin and Assistant Dean Vivian Pruitte, first lady of Holiness Tabernacle, the women were reminded to focus their hearts on God. During the day service, Aspiring Missionary Danielle Powell joined with the other aspiring missionaries to lead praise and worship service. Afterward, Mother Townes taught the women and reminded them of their responsibilities in serving the people of God as missionaries in the Church.
Saturday offered another opportunity of celebration for Holiness Tabernacle, as one of our own was elevated to the position of elder within the Church Of God In Christ. With his wife and extended family by his side, Elder McCown was ordained by Bishop Thomas. With godly pride, Pastor Pruitte presided over this most sacred service. The speaker, Administrative Assistant Sewell, reminded each of the new elders to hold fast to that which is good – holiness!
The culmination of the Convocation came on Official Day Sunday. Coming from 2 Kings 4:38-41, Bishop Thomas spoke on “Death in the Pot.”
“The preaching of the Gospel is the antidote to sin and death in the pot of humanity!” he declared to the people of God. It was truly an awesome experience as people came to the front for salvation and to re-dedicate themselves to Christ. Afterward, Bishop Thomas distributed vials of anointing oil that had been prayed over during the 40 hour prayer and consecration at the start of the week.
Indeed, the 99th Virginia One Holy Convocation was a blessing! Holiness Tabernacle was honored to play an integral role in seeing the leader’s vision and the work of the Lord come to pass.