ministry update - New York Church of God

New York
Church of God
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE BISHOP ANDREW BINDA
I
t seems like we just celebrated Christmas and yet here we are preparing for another Christmas
celebration. Don’t get me wrong, I love this season and I don’t mind celebrating another Christmas.
When I was a child, I refused to take a nap on Christmas day, thinking that I was wasting the most
special day of the year. What I am trying to say is that time passes so swiftly and we need to take time
to enjoy this joyous season. After all, we have the greatest reason to celebrate since God sent His most
precious gift to us.
Bishop Andrew Binda
& First Lady Valerie Binda
The big question in society these days is, Why Christmas? Why all the celebration? Why all the shopping? What’s
so great about Christmas? Thankfully, the Lord Himself gives us the answer in the scriptures. Luke 5:32, tells us that He
came to call sinners to repentance. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Matthew 20:28,
gives us the purpose for His coming. As a matter of fact, Jesus said of Himself, “The Son of Man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many.” His ministry (service) involved paying the price of our
redemption. John 12:46, gives us another reason for His coming. “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever
believeth on Me should not abide in darkness”. Jesus is the Light of the World! Last, but not least, Jesus said, “I am come
that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.
So as we celebrate another Christmas, let us take time to thank God for sending Jesus, the Savior of the World. Without
Him, there would be no Christmas! May you and your family have the most glorious Christmas ever!
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
nd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
A
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own
city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought
forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn.
nd there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
A
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a
manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
nd it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to
A
another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the
Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them
concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Luke 2:1-20)
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 - DECEMBER 2013
MINISTRY UPDATE
CHRIST BIRTHDAY OFFERING
very year at Christmas, Church of God families are asked to contribute an
offering equaling the year (e.g. this year the amount is $20.13). The monies
are used for disaster relief around the world. Of course, you will remember that
New York was blessed to receive help from Operation Compassion during Super
Storm Sandy. The date designated to receive this special offering is December 3,
2013. If that date is not convenient for you, please utilize another service during
the month of December, 2013. Many churches receive the Christ Birthday
Offering during their Christmas service. You can send your check directly to
World Missions or to the State Office. Thank you for your support!
E
State Office Personnel
Andrew Binda
Administrative Bishop
nybishop@nycog.net
C. Omar George
Youth & Discipleship Director
nyyouth@nycog.net
Valerie Binda
Women’s Discipleship Director
nywm@nycog.net
Eeva-Maria George
Girls Ministries Coordinator
nygirlsclubs@nycog.net
State Council
Hixford Allen
Christopher Capaldo
Devon Dixon
Lawrence Falco
David Fox
Raphael Gibbs
R. C. Hugh Nelson
Patrick Phillips
Brett Seals
Thomas Stimpson
Office Staff
Charmaine O’Connor
Administrative Secretary
nyadminsec@nycog.net
MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALING
esting for the Metro/ Long Island ministerial candidates is scheduled for
January 7, 2014 at 9:00 AM at the Massapequa Church of God, 890 Hicksville
Road, Massapequa, NY.
he Upstate Ministerial Examining Board will offer testing on January 24,
2014 during the Prayer and Training Conference at the Sheraton Hotel,
Mahwah, NJ. Applicants are asked to submit all the necessary forms and payments
before the respective examination.
T
T
B
PRAYER & TRAINING CONFERENCE
efore you know it, the New Year will be
here and with it comes the 2014 Prayer
and Training Conference which will be held
January 23-25, 2014. Enclosed you will find a
flier and hotel information. Dr. Lamar Vest
will be our Guest Speaker. He will be dealing
with the all-important subject of Discipleship.
I
n addition, I have invited Michael Nations
who leads The Vital Initiative, a ministry to
churches running 100 and under. This new
paradigm of ministry focuses on: Revalue
Pastors, Reclaim Mission and Revitalize Small
Churches. I encourage you to attend as this
will be a great time of training.
LIFEBUILDERS EMPOWERMENT NIGHT
O
n Friday, December 6, 2013,
the LifeBuilders Board is
planning an exciting program
geared at empowering our men for
service. Pastors, please mark this
date on your calendar and
encourage your men to attend.
Clive Josephs
Treasurer
nytreasurer@nycog.net
Rita Mullins
Events Coordinator
evangelcog.rm@gmail.com
LIVING THE WORD... 2012-2014
MINISTRY UPDATE
SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2014
or several years, we have been utilizing the Seek God for the City prayer booklet,
which is produced by Way Makers. This prayer series runs for forty days from
March 5 to April 13, 2014. The prayer booklets are $3.00 each, but there are significant
discounts if you order in bulk. Order online at www.waymakers.org or call 1-800 2645214. This is a practical prayer tool that helps deepen and focus prayer toward others.
F
LIFEBUILDERS RESURRECTION BREAKFAST
P
lans are being finalized for the 2014 Metro/LI Men’s Resurrection Breakfast which will be held at the Hyatt
Regency Hotel, 1717 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY, Saturday, April 19, 2014. The LifeBuilders Board is
working diligently to organize a great time of fellowship for our men. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Upstate Resurrection Breakfast
n consultation with the Upstate District Pastors, we have decided to sponsor three upstate regional breakfasts which
will be located in Rochester, Mexico and Saratoga Springs. The respective District Overseers will be planning and
promoting the 2014 Regional Men’s Resurrection Breakfasts.
I
I
UPSTATE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
am pleased to announce that the State Office will be sponsoring a Leadership Summit for the Upstate churches,
March 28-29, 2014. Several classes will be conducted for pastors, ministers, youth leaders and children’s workers.
Promotional information will be forthcoming.
E
ANNUAL MINISTRY TO THE MILITARY CHRISTMAS OFFERING
very year at Christmas, we are given the opportunity to bless the Ministry to the
Military directors. Please be sure that your local Women's Discipleship assist with
this Christmas blessing to our ministry partners. We want to overwhelm them with love
at this special time of the year. Please mail your checks to the State Office by December
14, 2013, made payable to the Church of God.
WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP PRAYER BREAKFAST
s you know, our Prayer Breakfast is held in conjunction with our annual Prayer and
Training Conference. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 25, 2014
at 8:00 AM. Ticket Order Forms are enclosed. Please pass this information on to the
person(s) in charge of Women's Discipleship at your local church. Our guest speaker
will be Vickie Vest. She will be challenging the ladies on the theme: Unlocking the
Chains through Prayer. Don't miss this special time of refreshing!
A
O
WWAM (WOMEN WITH A MISSION) PROJECT 2012 - 2014
ur project is Operation Freedom - Rescuing Servant Children in Haiti. We have been receiving special offerings
for this project and I want to encourage you to continue to do your best as this is our last year for this project. I ask
that you join us in prayer every Tuesday for the freedom of those enslaved around the world and particularly for the
Restavek children in Haiti. Thank you for your cooperation.
ANNUAL WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP AWARDS BANQUET
indly save the date, May 16, 2014. This event will be held at the newly renovated Hilton Hotel on Long Island.
Additional information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, please continue to raise the awareness of our
Women's Discipleship projects. Remember to send your contributions to the State Office. This way everyone wins!
K
KINDLE THE POWER SIX-WEEK BIBLE STUDY BY WOMEN'S DISCIPLESHIP
ots, Pans & Prophecies is the new Bible Study which is now available from the Women's Discipleship
Department in Cleveland, TN. I would encourage you to get your copy of this study if you haven't done so yet. I
know this series will be a blessing to your women. The number to call and place your order is 1-423-478-7170. Please
see enclosed flyer for more information. Thank you for pouring into the women who are under your care!
P
LIVING THE WORD... 2012-2014
MINISTRY UPDATE
FROM THE DESK OF YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR C. OMAR GEORGE
Greetings and Compliments of the Season
The holiday season reminds us that we have so much for which to give God thanks. In spite of what is happening
around us, we must never forget that we were created to give Him thanks. Regardless of the situation, God is in control.
In Psalms 136, we are reminded time and time again, to give thanks to the Lord for His mercies endureth forever. We
are truly honored to serve you!
Enclosed you will find information pertinent to the upcoming State Youth Ministry Programs. I encourage you to get
your church and parishioners involved. We are counting on your help and partnership to influence this generation.
NORTHEAST WINTERFEST 2014
T
his year we are excited about the Northeast Winterfest that will be held in Rochester,
New York, February 14-16, 2014. Our lineup includes some of the most dynamic
youth speakers of our day: Chris Hill, Kevin Wallace, Reggie Dabbs and Nicole C. Mullen.
Our musical artists are: Tedashii, Amante Lacey, 4 Trinity, Curtis Bridgeman and others.
We are looking forward for a great time. Please promote this event among your young
people. Busses are scheduled to depart from a city near you. If you need transportation,
please call the State Office at 516-694-5570, ext. 10, or visit our website www.nycog.org.
YWEA 2014
YWEA
I
(Youth World Evangelism Action) is the Church of God Youth Missions
program. Each year, the Church of God identifies a project and
encourages the young people to raise funds for the mission. This year, our project is entitled,
“Operation Firewall Africa”. The project will fund the purchase and construction of three
Ministry Centers/Anchor-Points in Africa (Senegal, Niger & Somalia), that will facilitate the
Care of Children (Daycare), Discipleship & Development of Leaders and Equipping Church
Planters throughout the designated “Firewall” across Africa.
Congratulations to the following 5 churches for making the Top 100 list in the Church of
God in YWEA Giving for 2013: #9-Solid Rock COG, Pastor Thomas Stimpson,
#80-Broxwood International COG, Pastor Acklan Quarrie, #80-Rhema COG, Pastor Patrick
Phillips, #80-South Jamaica COG, Pastor Errol Rougier, #100-Evangel COG, Pastor Rick
Mullins.
TEEN TALENT & JUNIOR TALENT 2014
would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our teen talent participants for
an exceptional year at the recent International Teen Talent Competition. This
year, New York won 16 trophies in various categories. Congratulations!
N
ow we turn our attention to Junior Talent. One of the objectives of Junior
Talent is that our teen talent participants pass on to our juniors the skills and
disciplines they have learned. This year, we are expecting record participation in our
Junior Talent Competition. The dates are March 8 & March 22, 2014. Please visit
our website for more information and application forms.
Y
YOUTH CONVENTION 2014
outh Convention is a time when our young people get together to celebrate the
goodness of God. This year, we will be starting on Sunday Night, April 13th
at 7 pm and will finish on Tuesday Night, April 15th. Our goal is to start on Sunday
night with a bang and build momentum as we continue the rest of the week.
W
e are planning a new and exciting format that will be youth-friendly. I really
believe that our young people will be especially pleased and encouraged to
bring their friends to the Youth Convention. More information will be forthcoming.
Please be in prayer for this ministry and for our young people.
New York Church of God State Executive Offices
1 Hemlock Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735 *Tel: 516-694-5570 *Fax: 516-454-9085 *Email: nycog@nycog.net *Website: www.nycog.net
The Church of God in New York publishes the Empire News Bi-Annually *Editor-In-Chief: Bishop Andrew Binda *Designer: Charmaine O'Connor