Working to Make our Church a Better Place of Worship

The Ministers and Laymen’s Council presented a service for those meeting pre-Unity Summit on Friday, September 24, 2012 at 7:00pm in the Sheraton Hotel.  The theme for the evening was “Clergy and Lay Leaders, Working to Make Our Church a Better Place of Worship” with the scripture of emphasis as Romans 12:1-2.

The Worship Leader for the evening was Rev. Versie P. Easter who presented the Call to Worship, the Congregational Hymn of “What A Fellowship” and the Prayer. The Affirmation of Faith was given by Sister Gilda A. Walker.  The Old Testament Scripture, read by Dr. Clifford Harris, was Genesis 28:10-19 and the New Testament Scripture, read by Rev. Cassandry Keys, was 1 Corinthians 16:5, 8-9.  The Calvary Tabernacle CME Choir offered several songs (see one of their selections below).  Sis. Barbara Campbell gave Greetings, encouraging us to remember that it indeed is “A Wonderful World”, quoting the song by New Orleans native Louis Armstrong, to be in the house of the Lord.  The Statement or Purpose was given by Brother Willie Robinson and the Offering by Rev. Dr. Eddie Jumper.  During the offering, we witnessed the Curry Temple Ushers doing their youtube famous stroll to the choir’s song, “Thank you Jesus for Blessing Me”.

After the Introduction of the Speaker with Brother Willie Robinson, Sister Jeanette Bouknight, Connectional Executive Secretary sang "I Don't Know About Tomorrow" for the Song of Preparation. Bishop Reddick brought the preached word from the Old Testament Lesson scripture under the subject, “Surely the Lord is in this Place”, challenging the Lay and Clergy to be aware and enlighted by the presence of God during this time (see article “Surely the Lord is in This Place").

Afterwards, Rev. Duane A. Hill extended The Invitation and Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt gave the Benediction.