Bishop Elwood Matthews-Died December 15, 2009

Reverend Donald "Elwood" Matthews went home to his beloved Savior Tuesday morning, December 15, 2009.

Elwood was born to Stacy Alton Matthews and Neta Mae Strickland Matthews on September 16, 1929. He was an ordained minister in the Church of God of Prophecy and served as a pastor, International Youth Ministries Director, Public Relations Director, Servicemen's Director, Evangelism Director and as State Overseer of Florida. Bishop Matthews also served as the minister for the Voice of Salvation radio and television ministries. His wife, Roberta Nunnery, was not only his cherished companion but an integral part of his ministry. Elwood and Roberta travelled the world sharing the truth of Jesus Christ, the true Son of God.

Reverend Matthews is survived by his wife Roberta, their only child Kimberly Matthews Palo, Kim's husband Joe Palo and, their two sons Corey Joseph and Matthew Tyler, as well as numerous relatives.

Elwood will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

FROM THE GENERAL OVERSEER

Season of Seeking Coming Soon

On the first 21 days of 2010 the Church of God of Prophecy will mobilize thousands to a time of fasting and prayer. This will be the fourth year that the call has gone out for the Church of God of Prophecy world wide to begin the year seeking God for His guidance, blessings, and power to do His will in this world.

Pastors, Leaders, Bishops, and Lay People we invite you to join in this Season of Seeking God on the first 21 days of January. There are many blessings that come through fasting and the Bible even mentions a few blessings that only come through seeking God in a fast. I am sure we all agree that our world needs the people of God to rise up and call on His name fervently. We will not be alone in this time of prayer and fasting. Many groups throughout many nations are declaring a time of fasting for the first days of this new year. You will not want to miss participating with others inside the Church of God of Prophecy as well as thousands beyond our ministry family as we seek God for great and mighty things this coming year.

"Call unto me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things that you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

Kids Crusade

Guest: Donna Howard-State Children's Minister
October 17th- 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Birmingham District Event
Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy
Kids ages 3-12
Tons of Fun!

Youth Conference 2009 is Almost Here!

Omega Youth Conference is just one week away! On October 9-11, 2009 youth from across the U.S. and Caribbean will convene at the Sevierville Events Center in Sevierville, TN (Pigeon Forge area) for a time of glorious worship, anointed preaching and teaching, fun and fellowship. It's not too late to register. Rooms are still available at the Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort. Rate of $190.00 per person (4-5 per room) includes 2 night's hotel, registration fees and five (5) meals. Conference only rate is $85.00. For more information or to register, log on to www.operationomega.org or call us at (423) 559-5304/6. We're waiting to serve you!

Disaster Hits Asia/Oceania Area

Please be in much prayer for our Asia/Oceania Region. Disasters have wreaked havoc over these past few days.

Philippines - hit by major typhoon. Wiped out homes and churches of our COGOP fellowship. No loss of lives that we know of. Our National Overseer, Brother Roger Justiniano, is actively involved in Relief Efforts and clean up, of course.

Samoan Islands - hit by major earthquake and tsunami. Entire villages totally wiped out. We still cannot reach our National Overseer, Brother Asalemo Kuka. He lives in the area that has been hit very hard. Do not have a word as to the loss of lives, churches, homes, etc. at this point.

Indonesia - hit by major earthquake. Do not know the extent of the loss at this time. We have been informed that we do have a church and an orphanage in Sumatra, one of the hardest hit areas by this quake.

Prayers, prayers, prayers, and more prayers are deeply appreciated for this area of our world...

Contributions for the relief efforts in these areas are now being accepted. Churches are encouraged to give through the Harvest Partners Ministry as Level 2 support. Individuals are encouraged to give through the Helping Hand Ministry.

Please make your checks payable to: Church of God of Prophecy. You must enter in the for section of your check the designated area you are assisting, e.g.

Philippines - Emergency Relief - 2009 September Typhoon
Samoan Islands - Emergency Relief - 2009 September Tsunami
Indonesia - Emergency Relief - 2009 September Earthquake

Belarus

We want to share with you our good news and plans. And I want to Thank You for your prayers and support of our ministry. We appreciate it so much!

As we write you before we work a lot with children from the orphanage house in Berezino town. Many children from there came to church. In May of this year the orphanage house was closed and some teenagers were needed to stay somewhere before they get to Collage or to the University. Pastor Dima and Lena Sarioglo decided to host two teenage girls Vika and Natasha for few months (from May till September). During the time when they staying at Dima's house they came to Christ.

26 of September Berezino church will have a water baptize of 6 people, these girls Vika and Natasha two of them! It is so great to see the real fruits of your ministry, ministry not of words but the deeds. May God bless pastor Dima and Lena richly. Now Vika entered to the Pedagogical University in Minsk and Natasha to the collage not far from Minsk. And in last Saturday they came to our youth cell group.

We have started our New Year (for us it is not a Calendar Year but a Study Year). We have a lot of students in our church so all activities and all our work we are planning from September, when all students come to the University from their homes. We are praying a lot and thinking about the changing of our structure of church, and raise up spiritually and professionally every field of ministry (Youth, Teenager, Worship, Family's) to bring a lot of fruits from Kingdom of God. First step it is to start a Bible School, where we invited a main pastors of Belarus to teach, we gave them the urgent topics for our people. We expect that all our church will be renewed and grow spiritually, will be united as one body of Christ by Holy Spirit, will get the knowledge, discover the potential and be ready for serving God with their talents. And then we want to make a difference in our town and our country!

Please, pray that God will awake and kindle church passion for active service for Him.

Love and blessings,

Gena

Institute of Children's Ministry

Convention Pictures

State Appointments

Office Manager
Secretary to State Overseer
Assistant Editor ...................Billie Ruth Jones

Youth Pastor .........................Tim Beck

Ministries .........................Donna Howard

State Business, Finance, Budget
Presbyter .................................K. T. Martin
Accountant ...............................Frances Martin
Board Chairman.......................K. T. Martin
....................................................Frances Martin
....................................................Shelba Farr
....................................................Mike Folker
....................................................Dian Elmore
....................................................Terry Gann
....................................................Bob Collins

Trustees ..........................K. T. Martin
...................................................Charles Farr, Jr.
...................................................Mike Folker

Property, Facilities ...........K. T. Martin
....................................................Shelba Farr
....................................................Mike Patterson

Web and Marketing ...........Tommy Kirby

State Convention Business
Presbyter.................................. Anthony Burns
2013 ...........................................John B. Butler
2013 ...........................................Beecher Tanner
2015 ...........................................Hoyt Holcomb
2015 ...........................................James Adkins
2015........................................... Jackie Cleveland

Presbyter at Large ..............James C. Williams

Camp Boothe, Camps, Retreats
Presbyter.................................. Joey Mojica
Board Chairman ......................Joey Mojica
....................................................Michael Patterson
....................................................Dan & Vickie Pierce
....................................................Jeff Hopkins
....................................................Cathy Jones
....................................................James D. Mann
....................................................Joey Stults
....................................................Brian Sutton
....................................................Gerald Terrell
....................................................Gerald Wiggington
....................................................Floyd West, Jr.


Evangelism Awareness Team
Asian ........................................Thomas McMahon
African American....................Gary Archie
Eastern Indian ........................John Wessly
...................................................John George
Native American ....................Don Stanton
Slavic........................................Brian Sutton
Spanish ...................................Fernando Fowler

Minister Disciplinary Board
Overseer and Selected Presbyters by Overseer as needed

Minister Development
New License
Schools ...................................Gordon-Conwell
.................................................L D I
.................................................Tomlinson Center
.................................................School of Practical & Advanced Studies
Presbyter ..............................James Wallace
Board .....................................James Wallace
.................................................K. T. Martin
.................................................William Noe
.................................................Philip Pruitt
.................................................Sylvester Smith
.................................................Charles Thornburg
.................................................James Wallace
.................................................Overseer

Discipleship/Church Planting/Ministry
Development
Presbyter .............................Overseer
Project Director ...................Tommy Kirby
Board ....................................Tim Beck
................................................Bob Garman
............................................... Jim Kelly
................................................Dewayne Smith
................................................Brian Baysinger


Area Presbyters and Area Churches
New Fields and Missions

Shoals District
Area Presbyter .............Brian Sutton
Hackleburg ..........................Clint Knowles
Haleyville............................. Luther Rye
Hamilton ..............................Terry Gann
Happy Hill.......................... ..Curtis Sutton
Harris Chapel ......................James Ramsey
Moulton ................................Dale Dilbeck, Sr.
Phil Campbell ......................Wes Hallman
Red Bay ...............................Gerome Key
Russellville ..........................Mark Fell
Sheffield ...............................Brian Sutton


Huntsville District
Area Presbyter........... ..Terry Tayor
Altoona .................................Terry Taylor
Arab.................................. ....Elmer Atchley
Decatur ................................Stanley Reeves
Elkmont ...............................Joseph Jones
Grant............................... .....Leslie Curtis
Hartselle ..............................Richard Konichek
Hazel Green ........................Harold St.Clair
Huntsville-
...............Bell Road ..............Wayne Christmas
..............Mastin Lake...... ...Charles Thornburg
Madison ..............................John Wessly
Rock Cliff ............................Betty Branch
Summerbrook................ ...Anthony Burns
New Field
...........Huntsville-West.. ...Hoyt Holcomb

Collinsville District
Area Presbyter ...........Beecher Tanner
Boaz ....................................Christopher Wallace
Browntown..................... ...Beecher Tanner
Collinsville...................... ...Bob Garman
Cunningham Bridge...... ...Carl Butler
Fort Payne.................... ....Annzella Abernathy
Gadsden ............................George Wyrosdick
Leesburg....................... ....Joshua Lynn
Mentone........................ ....Dean Clair


Jasper District
Area Presbyter ..........John B. Butler
Carbon Hill................... ....John Butler
Cordova ............................Bobby Patterson
Dora-New Haven ............Don Stanton
Jasper-
...........Boldo ......................Lynn Hitt
..........Airport Road .........Jason Heacox
Parrish........................ .....Cephus Prophitt
Short Creek..................... Shane Pate
Twilleytown ....................Roy Prescott
New Field
.......Winfield ....................Dewayne Smith

Tuscaloosa District
Area Presbyter....... .William Noe
Aliceville....................... ..G. C. Pate
Brown's Chapel............ ..Kenneth Elmore
Cottondale................... ...Ronald Martin
Eoline ..............................Michael Caldwell
Fayette ...........................Leland Lowery
Gordo ..............................Damon Rose
Greenpond .....................William Noe
Tuscaloosa ......................Kenneth Humphries
West Blocton............... ...Brenda Kay Pate
Mission
........Tannie Hill ..............Wilton Price

Birmingham District
Area Presbyter ........ Timothy Douglas
Alton ................................Jim Kelly
Bessemer-.
..........Hopewell ...............Joey Mojica
..........Woodland Hills .....James Wallace
Calera............................. .Steve Roberson
Clanton ............................Jeff Logan
Dry Valley..................... .Steve Chance
East Lake Highlands .....Gary Archie
Pelham ............................K. T. Martin
Pinson Parkway .............Philip Pruitt
Sterrett ...........................Timothy Douglas
Tarrant ...........................Judy Lyles

Anniston District
Area Presbyter .........A. L. Henderson
Anniston-
........Praise & Worship... Sylvester Smith
Lincoln..............................James Oliver
Moody-Trinity................A. L. Henderson
Munford-Silver Run ......Charles Boyd
Odenville .........................Ben Howard
New Field
..........Heflin......................Charles Boyd

Montgomery District
Area Presbyter .........John P. Benning
Alex City......................... John Benning
Goodwater...................... Leon Washburn
Montgomery...................Jackie Cleveland
Sylacauga.........................E. L. Croyle
New Field
.............Auburn
.............Prattville

Dothan District
Area Presbyter .........Morris Bates
Dothan..............................Morris Bates
Elba...................................H. L. Buckner

Mobile District
Area Presbyter......... Ernest Pigorsch
Bayou La Batre................William Butler
Citronelle..........................Brenda Smith
Grove Hill ........................Adelle C aldwell
Mobile-
......Chickasaw ..................Ernest Pigorsch
......Johnson Road ............Kelly Williams
Poarch ..............................Patsy Pritchett
Robertsdale .....................Emerson Pope

State Convention 2011

July 14, 15, 16

Youth Convention July, 2009

Youth Convention ‘09
3 Sessions

•Friday morning- 10:00-12:00:
Guys/Girls class on sexual purity
& relationships taught by
Pastors Clint and Liz Knowles

•Friday afternoon- 1:30-3:30:
Worship w/ Nic Jackson & Band w/ speaker
Dustin Atkins, Youth Pastor at Hackleburg COGOP

•Saturday morning- 9:30-11:45:
Worship w/ Nic Jackson & Band w/ speaker
Jason Cobb, Youth Pastor at Hopewell COGOP

We also be having a special Q & A session for Youth Pastors and Workers during the Saturday morning session with Tim Beck, State Youth Director

Don’t want to miss these awesome sessions that will
challenge and inspire!

Alabama State Convention

Convention Program Highlights July 16-18

Theme "TRUE NORTH"

1. Christ the Standard alone by which all direction is determined.
2. True Worship
3. True Foundation
4. Soul Winning
5. Church Planting
6. Discipleship-Bringing the Church to maturity in responsibility and fruitfulness.

The challenge to the Church--
1. Our Objective is Christ's alone.
2. The Church's compass must be aligned to TRUE NORTH.
3. Our Ministries/Goals must pass the TRUE NORTH test. If they don't, realign or discard.

Thursday Evening 7:00 PM

Helpful Information
K. T. Martin

Welcome Overseer and Staff

Challenge and Invocation
" Rise Up, O Church of God" Jason and Laura Cobb

Theme Awareness
"TRUE NORTH"
L. V. Jones

Woodland Hills Worship Team
Daryl McDaniel, Leader

"...That Your Prayers Be Not Hindered" I Peter 3:7
Philip Pruitt

Scripture: John 3: 16,17
Clint Knowles

Evangelism Awareness
"Reaching Our Black Communities"
Gary Archie

"Soul-winning Sent Me To Prison"
Eddie Mitchell

Message and Invitation Michael Willingham


Friday Morning 9:00 AM

Welcome Bill and Nita Noe

Challenge and Invocation
"The Living Church"
Rebecca Mojica

Theme Awareness
"True North"
Scott and Cheryl Williams

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:18, 19
Nick Wilson

Congregational Singing
Nicole Benning

"....That Your Prayers Be Not Hindered" I Peter 3:7
Philip Pruitt

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:19
James Adkins

Evangelism Awareness
Church Planting
Dewayne Smith

Accountability Reports
State Office
K. T. and Frances Martin

Camp Boothe
Joey Mojica, Michael Patterson, Raymon Sutton and Vickie Johns

State Offices
Power Point Presentation

Message : "Discipleship-Bringing The Church Into Maturity In Knowledge Of Christ; In Spirituality; In Responsibility; In Fruitfulness"
Brian Sutton



Friday Afternoon 1:30 PM

Challenge and Invocation
Nehemiah 4:1-15
Dorothy Clark

Evangelism Awareness
"Most Unlikely Places"
Terry Taylor
Brian Baysinger

Special Song
Denise Junkins

Scripture: Acts 4:12
Jeff Pardue

Message: "Solo Cristo'-Christ Alone"
James Wallace


Friday Evening 7:00 PM

Welcome
Joey and Lisa Mojica

Challenge and Invocation
I Samuel 16:13; 17:1-4, 8-11, 24, 29, 45, 46
Emerson and Shauna Pope

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18, 19
Tanner Gann

Sheffield-Cliff Haven Worship Team
Garry Lovette, Leader

"..That Your Prayers Be Not Hindered" I Peter 3:7
Philip Pruitt

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:4
Leslie Curtis

Evangelism Awareness
"That My Brethren May Be Saved"
Don Stanton, Dakota Sioux Tribe

Camp Boothe
"Freedom March"
Joey Mojica, Raymon Sutton, Michael Patterson and Board

Special Song
Traci Kirby

Message
Larry Duncan

Invitation
Michael Willingham


Saturday Morning 9:00 AM

Scripture: Isaiah 42:10
Brandon Heacox

Sheffield-Cliff Haven Worship Team
Garry Lovette, Leader

Scripture and Prayer: Ephesians 4: 14-15
John Wessly, John George

Special Song
Stanley Reeves

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27
Roy Miller

Lesson: "The True Foundation"
Janice Miller

Electric Guitar Solo: "Precious Lord"
JR Dilbeck

Message: International Office Representative
H. E. Cardin

Youth Tours-Teen Talent Recognition
Tim Beck

Ordination Service
Deacons
Bishops

"In Memory"
Power Point Presentation
Billie Ruth Jones, directing

Special Song
Nicole Benning

Overseer's Challenge
"Sufficient For Today's Challenge"
I Samual 17: 49

Appointments Affirmation

Closing Challenge
Michael Willingham

A Testimony of Salvation

My son Tristan Fike from New Haven COGOP attended Big Shot Camp for the first time this year, along with me (his Mother) and his Dad. We had a wonderful time. His Dad who does not attend church with us and is not a Christian or should I say was not, has claimed to have received his salvation at BIG SHOT CAMP. He said it was the best time he has had in a long time. To be around people who did not judge him. It is amazing that a 32 year old got saved at a 3-5 year old camp. God is so great! Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Chris Fike. I also want to thank everyone there who took the time to talk with him and the witness that just your lives had shown him.
Jami Fike

Alabama Ladies' Retreat

The Ladies met May 15-16 for their annual retreat. The theme was "Where The Wind Blows" with guest speaker Sylvia Staten from South Caroline. Donna Howard and her team did an outstanding job organizing each event. There were 212 ladies in attendance.

Gordon--Conwell Seminary

This past week end, May 21-24, was the Spring session for the Gordon--Conwell Seminary, Alabama School. The lesson, "The Joy of Ministry-The Book of Philippians" inspired and informed our Students. Dr. Wallace Pratt was the Professor for this class. Our numbers are reflecting steady gains each session. Praise the Lord!

The Student Body composition includes those with no college studies, until now, as well as those who have college level studies and degrees in other areas. There are several students absent from the pictures below.

January school (7-10) will be "Old Testament Survey" with Gordon-Conwell Professor, Jim Breneman.

Awaken Tour--Woodland Hills

On Saturday, May 2nd the Awaken Tour made its stop in Bessemer, AL. The night was amazing as the altar filled with young and old like, responding to the challenge from Heaven. Folks really seemed to catch the Spirit of Urgenecy, realizing we must redeem the time that is at hand. We had a great crowd of about 250. Many of our churches were represented: Greenpond, Hopewell, Tarrant, Short Creek, Pelham, and of course, the hosting church, Woodland Hills. A huge “Thank You” is due to all of our churches that supported this event. Because of your support, we will continue to proved ministry of this nature in your area.

I am so proud of the AWAKEN Team. Keith Morris and his worship band from Hazel Green lead us in “Throne Room” worship. The astrosphere was incredible! We also heard from six anointed ministers. Each spoke on different topics, forming the acronym A.W.A.K.E.N. Our ministers for the night included: Laura Cobb, Nic Jackson, William Wesley, Bethany Beck, Amelia Teshlich, and Jason Cobb. The AWAKEN Drama Group ministered three dramas and one skit. Everything flowing from the pulpit was provoking, inspiring, and life changing.

Truly God has raise up this tour for such a time as this! These pictures shows the entire AWAKEN Team.

Tim Beck, Alabama State Youth Pastor

Heritage Day at the Park

It's Heritage Day at the Park! Heritage Ministries and Youth Ministries have teamed up to bring the entire family, friends, youth and church groups together on June 13, 2009 at Fields of the Wood in Murphy, NC in the great Smoky Mountains. Everyone from the east, west, north and south is welcome.

There will be something for everyone, young and old, including:
Great contemporary & southern gospel music
The Great Heritage Race
Baptismal Service
Games for everyone
Special guest speakers and presenters
The best burgers on sale at the Burger Mountain Cafe (or you can also bring your own picnic lunch if you prefer)
Guided tours of the park
And much, much more!

Activities begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009. This is a free event. No admission fee is required.

Fields of the Wood
10000 Hwy. 294
Murphy, NC 28906
www.fieldsofthewood.net
(828) 494-7855

We are looking for music, drama and dance groups to participate in our afternoon spectacular. Please contact Paul Holt at (423) 559-5217 (pholt@cogop.org) or Aileen Reid at (423) 559-5304 (areid@cogop.org ) if you would like to participate or for more information. See you at the park!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. Sunday, May 10th is Mother's Day. A Mother's Love is compared to Christ's Love. May you find joy, peace, happiness and the knowledge that you are loved. God bless each of you.

New Baby

Pastor and Bettie Croyle, from Sylacauga, are new grandparents. Brother Croyle had the honor to dedicate Abigail Lauren Marshall on April 19, 2009. She was born March 1, 2009 to proud parents are Janean and Justin Marshall. Grandparents are, E. L. and Bettie Croyle, Delora Rayfield and great grandmother Janette Davis.

New Deacon

Alexander City has a new deacon. Clint Knowles, Sr. was presented his Deacon's License on Easter Sunday, April 12th. Congratulations to Brother Knowles and the local church.

Camps and Retreats Information

Good Day everyone. Just wanted to send out a reminder and encouragement to be mindful of the Retreats and Summer Camps Pre-Registration deadlines. The Pre-Registration deadline for Men's and Ladies Retreat is April 20. The price is $40.00 to all applicants post marked by this date. After April 20 it will be $50.00. Summer Camps Pre-Registration deadline is May 20. Please encourage all who would like to receive a discount to observe and respect these deadlines. The Camp Board was sensitive to the overall economy and decided not to increase our Tuition's for 2009 even though our general expenses continue to increase. You can down load and print Retreat Applications on Camp Boothe's web site at CampBoothe.org . At the Pastor's Intensive you can pick up some Summer Camp applications but a general mail out will be mailed with an application to last years Summer Camp applicants. If you have any questions concerning Retreats or Summer Camps please call our Camp Coordinators Dan and Vicky Pierce at 256-762-2133. Please continue to Pray for Camp Boothe and all staff as God leads us again this year in His Harvest.
Blessings, Joey Mojica
State Presbyter Camp Boothe Ministries

Pastors Intensive

April 17th and 18th, the Camp Boothe grounds were alive with pastors coming from all over the state. There were around 100 that assembled together to get instructions and to hear our State Overseer, L. V. Jones and General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard speak. The theme was "Dialogues With Our General Overseer". The Ministerial Development Committee did a superb job with devotions, and carrying out their program. Bishop Howard shared his heart Friday night and again Saturday morning. We were honored to have him in the state with us and were able to get better acquainted.

Go to Direct Link http://cogop.org/401174.ihtml to download Bishop Howard's lessons that he presented this weekend.

Hackleburg's Dedication

Before
It was a great day for the Hackleburg church and community. Around 200 people surrounded the new facilities to see what God has done and all were giving Him the praise and glory. Bishop Randall Howard, General Overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy, and his wife Beth were there from Cleveland, Tennessee along with Overseer L. V. Jones of Alabama. There were guests from South Carolina, Tennessee, California, Illinois, all parts of Alabama, along with special town officials from the City of Hackleburg.

Overseer L. V. Jones, former pastor Brian Sutton and current pastor Clint Knowles related the history of how this began and details of how they got to this point in time.(dedication) A special donor was present to speak and express his joy at what had been accomplished. He only asked the congregation to go out and win souls to the church and that would be their "thanks" to him. Bishop Howard prayed the dedication prayer and challenged the church to go forward.

Hackleburg has the excitement and facilities to move into the next realm of ministry and that is their goal. Go Hackeburg..... we are watching and praying with you! You and God together can do it!