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 The
34th Church & Pastoral Anniversary Observance began with an
anointed concert rendered by the Sanctuary Choir on Saturday,
November 14, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The Lord truly stepped in and
we were blessed from the beginning of the service “The Lord is in His
Holy Temple” (Habakkuk 2:20) through the closing selection, “To Our
God.” This choir is under the direction of Bro. Kenneth Jackson who
wanted all of the songs for the concert to be scripture based. Some of
the other songs included in the concert were: “Lift Up Your Hands”
(Psalm 134:1b-2a); “Lord You Are Good” (Psalm 136); “Cast Your Cares On
Jesus” (I Peter 5:7); “Oh How Precious Is The Name of Jesus” (I Peter
2:7); “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Manning the drums was Bro.
Emmanuel Deas, and the bass guitar, Bro. Eldrin Deas. Without a doubt,
the Lord’s anointing was upon each song of praise and all in attendance
were truly blessed! The service also included a selection by the dance
ministry who also ended with the choir’s rendition of “To Our God.”
Sermonette for this service was given by Aspiring Minister La’Monte
Jackson. His topic was “I Want What’s Right, Not What’s Left;”
sub-topic “What Kind of Incense Am I Burning on the Altar?” Some sermon
notes to remember are: (a) God does not accept any kind of sacrifice;
(b) because of our sacrifice of praise God will heal us, loose chains in
our lives, and bless us; (c) sometimes we must praise ourselves out of
situations, God wants us to be a wounded healer; (d) we must praise God
and worship Him in spirit and truth; and (e) the Holy spirit is the
incense God smells in our praise, therefore don’t let nobody hinder your
praise.
A reception of
cake and punch was held downstairs immediately after the concert. The
cake was donated by Elder Hubbard Brown & family, and the punch by Sis.
LaTonya Marsh.
  
On Sunday,
November 15th at 11:30 a.m. the 34th
Anniversary celebration continued during the morning worship service,
with the sanctuary choir in full array in their robes. Again, each song
of praise was anointed and God’s “glory filled the temple.” Following
the sanctuary choir were selections by The Apostles, with one song led
by Elder Hubbard Brown and Sis. Dawn Deas. This year’s service was
chaired by the Brother-Hood Department, under the direction of Minister
Tarryl McIntyre, who also served as conductor for the concert and for
the morning worship service.
 
During the service
every member was acknowledged for their contributions to the church down
through the years by their attendance, support of various services and
through their finances, for “the people are the church.” Recognition
was given for members who had been in this local assembly 20 years or
more, 10 or more years, 5 or more years, and those who were members less
than 5 years, all were asked to stand according to their category.
Members’ names were called and certificates of appreciation given to
those who had been at the church more than 5 years, and a group picture
was taken of some of these individuals. A letter of appreciation was
read from Pastor Deas by Minister McIntyre.
   
Some of the cards
and gifts of appreciation that were given to Pastor Deas, First Lady
Janis Deas and to the church were: a door wreath made of peppermint
candy, cards and a book from the Youth Department, gift certificate to
Sis. Janis Deas from the women’s auxiliary, $200 contribution towards a
lap computer for the church from the Women’s Auxiliary, a camcorder to
Pastor Deas from the Brother-Hood Department, and other cards and gifts
from various members of the church.
The sermon for the
day was given by Min. Matthew Pinkney, with the sermon topic
“Predestined to be Blessed,” with scripture texts from Acts 18:9-10,
Genesis 37:3-4, 6-11, and 18-20. Min. Pinkney told the story of how all
that Joseph went through, he was blessed in each situation. Other
points highlighted were (a) we are predestinated by God to be blessed
and saved; (b) If God be for us, who can be against us; (c) we are in
the right place at the right time, the season is now, and God is trying
to trouble somebody’s water to bless them; (d) if you are destined to be
blessed, demons in hell can’t stop it—a delay is not a denial, and
finally, (e) going through suffering helps to build character.
Following the message many came to the altar. The service concluded
with final remarks and benediction.
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