As Full Members: (Meeting the organizational order as set forth in the ERC constitution)
- Blessed Assurance Church of Christ in Bristol, PA (George Tobey, teaching elder)
- New Creation Christian Church in Charlotte, NC (Ken Robinson, teaching elder)
- Grace Fellowship Church in Columbia, SC (Reginald Byrden, planter)
- Joshua Ministries in Charlotte, NC (Lawrence Grandberry, planter)
- Freedom Worship Center in Charlotte, NC (Randall Hall-Walker, planter)
- Christian Heritage Church in Pineville, NC (Clive Joe, planter)
- New Life Community Outreach Ministry in Ahoskie, NC (Stevie Lawrence, planter)
- Winston-Salem, NC (Ezra Davis, planter)
- Roanoke Rapids, NC
ERC Director Kevin Richardson reviewed the updated strategic plan, noting the changes made since its first inception in 2005. The foundational items like the mission statement and core values remain unchanged, but certain parts require adjustment to strengthen operations and facilitate the action plans necessary to address needs in evangelism, spiritual growth, ministry effectiveness, leadership, and communication areas. The conference affirmed the plan as revised unanimously. |
Speaking to all present as members of the Bride, I stressed the importance of loving Jesus above all, to love him as he has loved each one of us. Then from the New Testament passages, I spoke directly to those being ordained and licensed as groomsmen and bridesmaids, charging them with caring for Christ’s Bride and watching for his coming. The Church is his beloved and not our possession to use or abuse for our own purposes. Should she suffer under our care there will be consequences when he returns. After the message each ordinand pledged their fealty to Christ and the Bride and were set apart by the Conference for a lifetime of ministry within the CGGC. A reception in the DGC lodge for those ordained and their families followed the service and concluded the evening session (pictured below). |
Judd Spencer, using the story of the rich ruler (Luke 18:18ff), began the day with devotions, encouraging each would-be Jesus follower to determine what they must surrender to the Lord and then to do so. Then Charlie Yost, one of our four CGGC active-duty military chaplains, shared the importance of serving as such in the US armed services and asked the churches to considering directly ministering to all servicemen and women in their churches and their communities. Tom Lucas, retired chaplain, also spoke to the importance of church support and the need for additional chaplains. Additional reports were received from Women’s Ministries and Senior Life Fellowship. |
| After a short break, the conference officially received several congregations in process of affiliating with the region. Pastors Ken Robinson and the New Creation Christian Church, Reginald Byrden and the Grace Fellowship Church were welcomed first, and a bit later so was Randall Hall-Walker and the Freedom Worship Center. The conference, at the direction of Jim Moss, Jr., broke out into small groups to pray for one another and the various ministries represented. Kevin Richardson took time to recognize Barb Harris and Brenda Cooker as the administrative support team for the conference office. What followed next was totally unexpected, at least by me. Kevin invited me forward and presented me with a pack of cards from folks from across the region in appreciation for the service given by Linda and me to the ERC and the General Conference. I want to express our thanks to the ERC and the entire CGGC. We are so blessed to live and serve among God’s people! |
After a prayer for the churches and the ministry of the conference, Mark thanked all those who made the sessions possible, made a few announcements, and entertained a motion to adjourn. He invited his father, Fred Hosler, to come and offer the closing prayer for the conference and the noon meal: BBQ chicken! According to Ken Robinson, chicken is the secret of successful ministry. To understand that last comment, well, you just had to be there. ONe Mission together, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |
Annual License: Dennis Bailey, Chris Clugh, John Cook, Brandon Goodling, Kelly Hall, Catherine Kimmel, Ed Maxwell, Jeff Parthemore, Carol Sites, Jason Smith, George Tobey, Dean White, and Dustin White
Transitional License: Reginald Byrden, Ezra Davis, Lawrence Grandberry, Clive Joe, Antoine Lassiter, Stevie Lawrence (Sr.), Ken Robinson, and Jim Rogers
Provisional License: Randall Hall-Walker, Carl Miner, Vicki Robinson, and Jory Tobias
Pine River Church Seeking a Pastor
You may learn more about our church by visiting our Facebook page; PineRiver ChurchofGod. You may also check out the website http://pineriverchurchofgodmi.webstarts.com. If you are interested in this ministry opportunity or have questions, please send a resume or express your interest by May 15, 2015. Send your email to the church email address: [email protected] or Pine River Church of God, P.O Box 326, Vestaburg, Mi 48891. You may also contact Great Lakes Conference Director Earl Mills, [email protected].