Bishop Lyles expounded on the theme of the seminars, “Motivation to Lead” and encouraged the secretariat to work diligently, support their jurisdictional bishops and to work with a spirit of excellence and integrity. He addressed the delegates on the importance of the 2010 Loyalty Day, which will convene on September 8, 2010 and spoke of the upcoming 2010 Holy Convocation in St. Louis, MO. Bishop Lyle’s address was a fitting start to this year’s seminars.

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.

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 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.