United times

March 2014Volume 2

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Bishop Eric D. GarnesPresiding Prelate

Bishop James E. DukesNational Director of Social Justice

Bishop James R. ChambersSecretary General

Bishop Glenn E. LivingstonGeneral Treasurer

Overseer Dan Johnson National Business Manager

Pastor Aurelia H. JemmottNational Director of Operations & Logistics

Overseer Frank Robinson National Youth Director

National Directors

Elder Jacqueline MarshallNational Director of Women’s Ministry

Bishop Rory MarshallNational Director of Men’s Ministry

Elder Reginald McCaskillNational Director of Music

Bishop Orlando A. WilsonNational Director of Center for Theological Studies

Pastor Martin J. DeSilvaMajor General – Apostolic Knights of Pentecost

Elder Reginald KingAdjutant General

Sister Edna CapersNational Director of Ushers

General Board

Grace and peace be unto you UNITED,

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

As spring sets to begin in just two days, we thank the Lord for the light that has come in the natural, as well as the supernatural. UNITED, in this season we will walk in the joy of our salvation that our light may truly begin to shine forth so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Levites, IT IS OUR TIME to gather together before the Lord to be built up for the great work that is ahead for us. It is time to lift Jesus higher! A powerful transformation in your worship awaits you in Baltimore, MD. Register today!

The Lord continues to use Pastor Martin De Silva this month to breathe new life into our understanding of true evangelism. Read on and be blessed, and above all, continue to stand.  In His Service, Annette ParkinsEditorwww.unitedcovenantchurches.org

Letter From the Editor

Evangelism does not simply mean making converts—though that is a desired result—or adding members to our club. Many times, we find ourselves struggling with feelings of guilt because there seems to be no tangible "fruit" from our ministry. At other times we find ourselves tempted to tell other Christians what they want to hear: "… we just saw another one come to the Lord," or "… he has been coming to church on his own accord for a few months now.” These remarks may bring a few pats on the back, but only serve to propagate the misconception about "successful" evangelism. The people of God embody, explain and are the living interpreters of the gospel. First we witness through our lives and deeds, and then we explain what happened. For example, Jesus’ witness to the Kingdom provoked those around Him to ask questions. Who is He that even forgives sins? Who is this Jew that receives a drink from a Samaritan and dines with sinners? Jesus’ example shows that evangelism does not only mean that we go and tell; it also means that we witness through our work and lifestyle, provoking questions to which the Good News of Jesus Christ is the answer. The Good News is entrusted to us. If we fail to proclaim it, we are unfaithful stewards. Though we often like to quote St. Francis of Assisi who said, "Preach the gospel and use words when necessary," we must also realize that he did use words and many heard the Good News and many came to the Lord. In fact, he preached to a Muslim sultan, who invited him because he had heard of St. Francis’ lifestyle. Peter exhorts us to live such a lifestyle: Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Pet. 2:12).

What is Evangelism? – Part 2

Evangelism is persuasion, in the sense that we are convincing people of the gospel through apologetics. Paul said, "Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor. 5:11). But as Paul also said "For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 2:17).  Over the last century, much of the church has defined its failures and successes by numbers. When we place exclusive emphasis on the winning of individuals to conversion, baptism and church membership, numerical growth of the church becomes the central goal of mission. Then seeking justice and peace are separated and relegated to the margins of the church’s mission. Though a growing church may be a sign of God’s life and work, this predisposes us to value the size more than the souls.  Evangelism is also the prevenience of the Spirit, not simply the activity of the Christian missionary. That is to say, long before the Christian arrives with the Good News, the Spirit of God has been moving, preparing and wooing humanity to Himself. Evangelism participates in and flows from God’s previous activity.

Evangelism is not an activity for non-believers only, because Christians never cease to need evangelism. Avery Dulles reminds us that evangelism is not complete with the first proclamation of the gospel: "It is a lifelong process of letting the gospel permeate and transform all our ideas and attitudes."  

In His Service,Rev. Martin J. De Silva

Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral

A Word from the Presiding BishopUnited, I want to personally invite you to be part of our

National Music and Arts ConferenceThe dates are April 2-5, 2014.

This will be a very, very special time of gathering. We will hear great preaching and teaching. There will be special presentations, workshop sessions, guest

artist, ministry and great connections! You can only get that when you are on site. Register online today at

www.unitedcovenantchurches.comBook your hotel room at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center

($129/per night double occupancy) – reserve under the Total Praise Conference) Hotel Reservation 1-800-325-3535

 The conference will be hosted at the New Antioch Church

2401 St. Paul Street – Baltimore, Maryland Guest Artists:

Maurette Brown-Clark and Isaiah D. Thomas

We are preparing for our 25th National Holy Convocation, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this special music conference leading toward

our 25th year celebration!!I look forward to seeing you there!

Dr. Eric D. Garnes

Total Praise National Music & Arts Conference – April 2-5

REGISTER TODAY.

Reserve your room at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center ($129/night)

(410) 752-1100

New York, New York

Join us for a FREE Evening of Comedy & Entertainment on Thursday March 20, 2014 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at

Medgar Evers College (Founders Hall).

There will also be information available about the Affordable Care Act.

Renew'd Youth and Young Adult Ministry Presents Youth Revival Weekend: He Turned It!

"And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart," Ezekiel 11:19 NLT

Join us as we conclude our Youth Revival Weekend with a powerful youth takeover worship service on Sunday, March 30 at 11am. All youth and young adults are encouraged to attend and bring a few friends. The speaker for the morning will be Overseer Christopher Cox, III of Family Life Worship Cathedral in Elmont, NY.

This is an event you do not want to miss!!

prayer. While some Christians have intensified their prayer lives, many have become weary and hopeless. What do you do after you have prayed and prayed but still nothing seems to change? What do you do when the storms of life are raging and God seems silent? Has God forgotten you?

If you have ever pondered these questions or perhaps feel this way today, I strongly encourage you to join us on our upcoming UCCC Women’s National Prayer line Saturday, April 5, 2014 @ 7am (EST)/6am (CST). Pastor Valerie Cheairs from V. Cheairs Ministries will be addressing some of these issues as she ministers on “Persistent Prayer.” Regardless of how difficult things may become, we must continue in prayer – trusting that God will KEEP his promises.

Ladies, don’t miss this time of empowerment!! Please make sure to invite your sisters who are in need of a BIG dose of HOPE!!! Dial 712 432-0075 access code 502676#. Also, don’t forget to email your prayer request/praise report in advance at womensministry@unitedcovenantchurches.com. I am excited about this amazing time of fellowship and I look forward to UNITING with you in prayer!!!

Elder Jacqueline D. Marshall National Director of Women’s Ministry

Women of UNITEDBlessings to each of you! As we look at the prominent social issues that are present in today's society, we can clearly see that we are living in perilous times! NOW - more than ever - is time for God’s people to UNITE in

We wish Pastor Terry and Lady Kim Hill of The Citadel Church

of Jacksonville a very Happy 18th year Wedding Anniversary

as they celebrate on March 23rd.

May your marriage continue to be blessed and flourish as you grow in grace as a shining example of the love and commitment of the

Lord. Be blessed as He takes you Higher. Happy Anniversary!

We Celebrate Love!

“A Generation Setting the World Ablaze With

Kingdom Fire” atEcclesia Family Worship Center!

Join the Connections Community Church for Spring Revival with Dr.

Jeffery Johnson as our very own Presiding Prelate Bishop Eric D. Garnes opens up this

time in worship.

Sunday March 30th – Tuesday April 1st

674 State Road 60 WestLake Wales, Florida 33853

Visit www.unitedcovenantchurches.org

for more informationConnect with us on facebook and

twitter to receive the latest information.

Make your hotel reservations now. You do

not want to miss our Silver Anniversary

Celebration!

UCCC National Holy ConvocationJuly 22-26

Reserve your room at the Sheraton Baltimore North Center ($109/night)

(410) 321-7400

Stay Connected with United Covenant Churches of Christ

"mention" us on twitter @UnitedCovenant @EricDGarnes 

"tag" us on Facebook (search and "like“) The United Covenant Churches of Christ

"tag" us on Instagram: BishopEDGarnes 

Or even "pin" to our Pinterest board: bishopedgarnes 

The Lord sets a Table before the Women of Tabernacle of Praise

March 6th kicked off the Annual Daughters of Zelophehad Women’s Conference at Tabernacle of Praise. We were blessed as the Lord spoke through powerful Women of God with a word of unity, freedom in Christ, individuality, perseverance and a reminder of the gift of salvation. On Saturday, registered attendees enjoyed an awesome dramatic play, luncheon, and a panel discussion followed by door prizes and giveaways.

The conference closed out on Sunday March 9th as we came together in our traditional all white attire and a heart of thanksgiving to our Lord for an awesome week in His presence. The women of Tabernacle will truly never be the same.

Join us at Family Life Worship Cathedral on

Good Friday – April 18, 2014 at 7pm as the Fine

Arts Ministry presents "After the Betrayal".

Come out and join Tabernacle of Praise and

Champion Children of Christ for a Fashion &

Talent Show like no other.

Tickets are $10 for children under 10 and $20

for adults.

Sunday April 20, 20145pm-9pm

1098 Utica AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11203

There will be time for shopping and a sit down meal.

Call the administrative office to reserve a ticket

(718) 771-9193 or visit us online at

www.ncfellowship.net

You will be blessed!

Got questions about your ministry or ministry gift?

Desiring better resources to help you excel in ministry?

Frustrated because no one is calling you to preach?

Get this book in your hands and get answers!

Calling all Men – Time to get spiritually fitfor the Kingdom of God!

Register early for the Nazareth Christian

Fellowship Spiritual Iron Man Boot Camp.

Power of GOD Cathedral is celebrating TEN

YEARS of Ministry in Jamaica, New York. All will see and say "HOW

great is our GOD!" 

Join POGC at their "GALA BANQUET CELEBRATION on 

Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 4pm, You will be

blessed!!!

See you there!! ... I've reserved a ticket for

you!!

This is not a money message but rather a wealth message that includes money. Get your copy today and start your journey to Wealth On Purpose!

www.amazon.com

Through the grace of God, Pastor J. Marcellas

Williams has finally finished his first book entitled "Wealth On

Purpose". It focuses on biblical principles of how to gain, govern and give wealth. The

testimonies on how this teaching has helped and blessed so many

are endless.

Do you Zumba?

Try something different for 2014 – or maybe you already

enjoy Zumba! Come out to this dance aerobic fitness class featuring dance movements inspired by Latin, Caribbean

and Hip Hop dance.

You will enjoy a fun filled way to lose weight and be healthy.

See You There!!!

"Turn Up" with prayer...GENERATIO

N "Covered"!

The purpose of the youth prayer call is to

keep our children covered by the word and build a strong prayer life for our

children.  NVKLC and Uc3 provides a vehicle

that will get your child's day started and

encouraged to go throughout the week.

CALLING ALL INTERCESSORS: Draw nigh to God in this key season. There are morning and afternoon prayer lines within your UNITED family to join and watch the Hand of God move supernaturally in your life, your family, your church and your community!

Bishop Jamie Johnson - James Temple Miracle CenterFort Valley, GA Every Wednesday night at 9:05pm EST(641) 715-3200 access code: 1004868#

Bishop Roberto Jemmott - Nazareth Christian FellowshipBrooklyn, NY Tuesdays 6am EST(712) 775-7100 access code: 456009#

Overseer Carlos Haynes - Faith Assemblies of GodBrooklyn, NY Sunday-Saturday 5am-6am EST(760) 984-1000 access code: 919671#

Overseer Dan Johnson - The Empowerment Worship CenterChicago, IL Monday-Friday 5am-6am CST(712) 432-0075 access code: 502676#

Bishop Allen Williams - Rhema Word Worship CenterElkridge, MDTuesday-Friday 5am-6am; 1pm-2pm; 9pm-10pm EST(661) 673-8600 access code: 834439#

Bishop George E. Gibson, II - Christian Love Worship CathedralPhiladelphia, PA Saturdays 7pm (seven minutes)(218) 862-4152 access code: 533257#*please remember to mute your phones* 

Stretch your prayer life in this powerful season of prayer! His Kingdom

come, His will be done!

Calling ALL Singers, Dancers and Musicians….Register and make your hotel

reservations today for the 2014 Total Praise National Music Conference!

www.unitedcovenantchurches.org

Let eloquence be flung to the dogs rather than souls be lost. What we want is to win souls. They are not won by flowery speeches. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

Have any questions, comments, ideas or would like to make a submission for future publication? Please contact: Annette Parkins

an.parkins@gmail.com(877) 97-UNITY

www.unitedcovenantchurches.org