In honor of Mother Ada Kuykendall, former longtime jurisdictional secretary of the Arizona Jurisdiction, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr. created the network of female jurisdictional secretaries and appointed Evangelist Carolyn Fryson, former Assistant General Secretary for Registration and jurisdictional secretary of California Northwest as coordinator.

When Mother Kuykendall started as jurisdictional secretary there were only two female secretaries. Today the number of females serving as jurisdictional or assistant jurisdictional secretaries has grown exponentially. The creation of the network was necessary to support the work of female secretaries and a fitting tribute to the long years of service of Mother Kuykendall.

The final sessions of the Bishop Herbert J. Williams Seminars concluded on Thursday, July 8, 2010. Superintendent Marcus Ways facilitated a dynamic seminary entitled: Leadership Development: Bringing Out the Best in People. He intimated the importance of communication styles, the advantage of developing excellent leaders, and the importance of efficiency, effectiveness and excellence. He concluded his seminar by encouraging the delegates with the acronym YATSE, “You Are the Standard of Excellence.”

Evangelist Julia Ellerson reported on the progress of the Jurisdictional Secretaries Directory. She reinforced the importance of receiving accurate information and operating with the spirit of excellence. Jurisdictional Secretaries are asked to email their current information to cogicjsd@yahoo.com.

Evangelist Kimberly Scott-Brown updated the secretariat on the 2010 Holy Conocation in St. Louis, MO. She informed the delegates on activities, hotel accommodations and stressed the importance of registering for the meeting.

Elder Derrick Johnson and Evangelist Lisa Morgan detailed the 2010 General Assembly registration process. The secretariat was informed on the process of required documentation, timelines and the importance of informing their jurisdictional delegates of all necessary details.

Evangelist Linda Wilkins and Sister Mary Walls gae the participants updates from the National Office and answered questions concerning the operations of the Memphis office. The Summer Session concluded with final remarks and directives from General Secretary, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr.

The Bishop Herbert J. Williams Seminars continued on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 with a riveting session by Pastor Michael Shaw entitled “Leadership: Motivation vs Innovation.” Elder Shaw inspired the secretariat and gave them ways to motivate those around them, increase communication and enhance relationships within the jurisdiction. His seminar inspired a myriad of questions and comments among participants. Elder Shaw was followed by Dr. Bernard Reese, who facilitated, “Finding Your Leadership Style.” This important session helped participants identify how they lead and interact with both other leaders and those they are leading.

The secretariat was addressed by Pastor Robert G. Rudolph, Jr., Scribe of the Adjutancy and jurisdictional secretary of Arkansas Second Jurisdiction, who facilitated, “The Episcopal Homegoing: Preparations of the Secretariat.” Elder Rudolph helped the jurisdictional secretaries understand their role after the demise of the jurisdictional bishop. Issues of importance included, the role of the secretariat during the home going, disposition of remains, record keeping, and the obituary.

The session also included observations by General Secretary Lyles and and information exchange between the jurisdictional secretaries.

The Bishop Herbert J. Williams Seminars began in earnest on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 after an inspirational opening session with General Secretary, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr. Pastor Talbert W. Swan, II facilitated the seminar Keeping Our Ministry on Target: Ten Ways to Stay Focused. The seminar included the following principles:

THE FOUNDATION OF MINISTRY IS CHARACTER.

THE NATURE OF MINISTRY IS SERVICE.

THE MOTIVE FOR MINISTRY IS LOVE

THE MEASURE OF MINISTRY IS SACRIFICE

THE AUTHORITY OF MINISTRY IS SUBMISSION

THE PURPOSE OF MINISTRY IS THE GLORY OF GOD

THE TOOLS OF MINISTRY ARE THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER

THE PRIVILEGE OF MINISTRY IS GROWTH

THE POWER OF MINISTRY IS THE HOLY GHOST

THE MODEL FOR MINISTRY IS JESUS

Superintendent Curtis T. Schley facilitated the New Secretaries Training and gave pertinent information concerning the secretariat and answered questions from those new to the position of jurisdictional secretary. Superintendent Eddie Whitelaw met with Regional Coordinators and encouraged them to remain diligent and effective in supporting the secretaries in their respective regions.

This year’s Bishop Herbert J. Williams’ Seminars Summer Session during the AIM Convention in Charlotte, NC has much in store for the secretariat. General Secretary, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr. has organized a plethora of informative seminars that will benefit each participant in being a more effective jurisdictional secretary.

The Sessions will be held at the Charlotte Center City Marriott on Tuesday, June 6^th, Wednesday, July 7^th, and Thursday, July 8^th from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Refreshments will be served and devotion held from 8:30 am – 9:15 am.

Seminar topics will include the following: New Secretaries Training; Regional Directors’ Training; Keeping Ministry On Target; The Potential Around You; Finding Your Leadership Style; : Motivation vs Innovation; Leadership Development; and others. Presenters will include our General Secretary, Assistant General Secretaries, National Office Staff, Jurisdictional Secretaries, National Officers and others.

The seminars will consist of informative ministry training, fellowship and networking. The theme selected for this year’s sessions is “Motivation To Lead” and each seminar promises to be quite an experience!  We look forward to seeing you at AIM!

General Secretary Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr. (left) and Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

St. Louis, MO – Charged with the many responsibilities of the Office of the General Secretary, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr., General Secretary of the Church Of God In Christ recently traveled to St. Louis, MO along with other COGIC leaders to make preparations for the 103^rd Annual Holy Convocation. The Convocation   Christ is scheduled for November 8-16, 2010 at the America’s Center convention complex located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The move to St. Louis is designed to be more cost-efficient for the members by providing less expensive hotel prices, additional safety due to the close proximity of hotels to each other and the main convention area and flexibility for those who travel nationwide to the event each year.  On average, the Church Of God In Christ’s convocation generates over $35 million during its seven-day event, which is a considerable boost to the local economy.

Bishop Lyles responsibilities include keeping official records for the Church, registering delegates for the Annual General Assembly, serving as secretary of the General Church and secretary of the General Assembly among others. His trip to St. Louis and his input in the preparations for the annual meeting are integral to the meeting’s overall success. Bishop Lyles and his staff are assisting Convocation delegates by providing pertinent information concerning registration and accommodations.

Pastor Talbert W. Swan, II speaks with Governor Deval Patrick at an Urban Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Spring of Hope COGIC

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Gov. Deval L. Patrick, the nation’s second elected African American governor, was asked about casino gambling, helping small businesses, keeping a charter school open and curbing police brutality at a town hall-style meeting on April 18, 2010.

Invited by the African American Clergy Alliance, co-chaired by Rev. Talbert W. Swan, II and Archbishop Timothy Paul, Patrick spoke to more than 300 people at the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ. Rev. Swan is the church’s pastor. The governor opened with a short campaign speech, but mostly answered residents’ questions.

The meeting was the last stop on a short campaign tour in Western Massachusetts that included a visit with members of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield who were formally announcing they had received the money to rebuild their church, which was burned down by arsonists on Nov. 4, 2008. He also met with supporters in an event at the Latino Chamber of Commerce in Springfield.

People at the town hall meeting wrote their questions that were then read aloud by a monitor. Many asked about casino gambling. Patrick said he supports casinos, but does not agree with the current plan proposed by legislators to add slot machines in existing race tracks. “The right way to do it is to get the maximum number of jobs and revenue,” he said. “We get more jobs in destination resorts.”  Patrick said his support for expanded gambling does not address the “moral question,”  which was the major concern of Pastor Swan and many of the attendees.

A number of people asked local questions, including helping to keep open the Robert M. Hughes Academy, which faces closure after an MCAS cheating scandal. Others wanted help reducing the violence Springfield has seen over the past two years. “I’m not satisfied until we have enough police on the street and I’m not satisfied until we have enough stability in the homes,” he said.

Referring to the suicide deaths of a 15-year-old in South Hadley and an 11-year-old in Springfield who had been reportedly constantly harassed by classmates, Patrick said he is anxious to sign an anti-bullying bill which is now being debated by legislators.

Springfield residents also submitted questions about his concerns over several recent attacks of black men by police officers. Residents said they feels the police department and mayor’s office has not done enough and asked the governor’s office to intervene.

Patrick admitted he did not know enough about the incidents but ensured residents his office would get involved if necessary.  Residents asked Patrick what he could do to help small and minority-run businesses. Patrick called the businesses valuable, saying 85 percent of jobs are created by small businesses and pledged to cap health insurance cost increases and assist in expanding loans so people can start their own businesses.

The Spring of Hope COGIC is actively involved in the community and hosted the forum to foster dialogue between residents and the Commonwealth’s Chief Executive. Pastor Swan said he was delighted that the governor accepted his invitation and that the church would continue its advocacy on behalf of its members and the community at large.

Dear Saints,

This week, a horrific earthquake in Haiti resulted in the loss of many lives and has devastated the nation. The need by people in Haiti is so great, that the Church Of God In Christ community must jump into the relief effort. It is imperative that our congregations around the world show forth the compassion of Christ as the local government cannot effectively respond by itself. We must take into consideration the portion of the gospel where Jesus said I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink, and I was naked and you gave me clothes, at this time we are the hands, feet and mouth of Christ, so we must try to be Christ-like. We are blessed when we can help others, therefore, the least that we can do is share the blessings that God has given to us.

With thousands of lives lost, and thousands homeless and without food following the devastation by the earthquake, the members of the Church Of God In Christ need to step up to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Therefore, I make an earnest appeal to all members of the Church Of God In Christ to make donations immediately. You can make your contribution payable to COGIC Charities Relief Fund , which has been designed to assist the church in responding to this and other disasters of this magnitude.  Please mail all contributions to P.O. Box 38 Memphis, TN 38101 – 0038.  We desire to receive all contributions on or before Friday, January 29, 2010. Further information and electronic donations can be made by visiting cogic.org.

Our Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. has appointed a Rapid Response Team that will be on the grounds in Haiti as early as Friday, January 15^th to make assessments so that The Church Of God In Christ will have first hand information. We are grateful for his vision and leadership and urge the full support and participation of all COGIC members. Working collaboratively we can impact the lives of many who have been affected by this tragedy. Let’s to continue to pray for God’s strength, guidance and comfort during these trying times.

In His Service,
Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr.
General Secretary
Church Of God In Christ

The Summer Session of the Bishop Herbert J. Williams Seminars concluded Thursday, July 2nd after providing both information and inspiration to jurisdictional secretaries from around the world. Seminars held during the 2nd and 3rd days included the following:

Wednesday, July 1st

I Quit: Have You Been Called or Drafted – Dr. Bernard Reese
Ten Ways to Be a More Successful Jurisdictional Secretary – Mrs. Linda Wilkins/Ms. Mary Walls
Maintaining a Godly Atmosphere – Dr. Carl E. King, St.
New Secretaries Training – Supt. Curtis T. Schley
Regional Coordinators Training _ Supt. Eddie Whitelaw

Thursday, July 2nd

2009 Loyalty Campaign – Bishop Jerry W. Macklin, 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop
2009 Preparation, Guidelines and Deadlines – Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr., General Secretary
Bridging the Digital Divide – Evangelist Lisa Morgan
2010 Census – Elder William N. Ward

Jurisdictional secretaries benefited from the wealth of information provided and left inspired to exhibit a “Spirit of Excellence” and “Move from Good to Great” as expressed by this year’s theme.

The following presentation(s) are available for download:

Maintaining-a-Godly-Atmosphere – Dr. Carl E. King, Sr.
2010 Census – Elder William Ward

The Annual Bishop Herbert J. Williams Seminars Summer Session held its opening meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 during the Annual AIM Convention in Tampa, Florida. Under the direction of COGIC General Secretary, Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr., the goal of this year’s seminars is to provide resources and information to each jurisdictional secretary that will assist them in creating a climate for excellence and to help them to perform at the highest leve. The theme for this year is “A Spirit of Excellence: Moving from Good to Great.”

The session gathered with refreshments courtesy of the Florida and Georgia secretaries. Superintendent Curtis T. Schley, Special Assistant to the General Secretary lead the delegates in a period of devotion and Superintendent William Gaylord gave greetings on behalf of the local secretaries. The official opening was facilitated by General Secretary Lyles, who greated the delegates and detailed information critical to the operations of the secretariat.

Superintendent Talbert W. Swan, II, Assistant General Secretary, facilitated the opening seminar, entitled, “Being an Effective Administrator.” Superintendent Swan was followed by First Lady Vell Lyles, who facilitated “Effective Data Base Management.” The sessions concluded with sessions facilitated by Superintendent Curtis Schley, “New Secretaries Training,” and Dr. Carl E. King, Sr., “Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries.”

The following powerpoint presentations are available for perusal:

Being an Effective Administrator, Superintendent Talbert W. Swan, II
Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries, Dr. Carl E. King, Sr.