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Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. speaks during Tuesday night services at the Cook Convention Center. (Photos by Earl Stanback)
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Fresh out of its centennial celebration, the Church of God in Christ has settled into Memphis for its 101st Annual Holy Convocation, which began Nov. 3 and runs through Nov. 11.The theme this year is “Marching into the Future with Resurrection Power.”
In an interview with the Tri-State Defender prior to the Convocation, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake made it clear that COGIC is not stumbling forward.
“We are marching, walking with precision and with direction and we are looking toward the future believing that this is what we want to impact; that is where we are reaching,” said Bishop Blake of West Angeles Church in Los Angeles.
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The 101st Annual Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ is underway in Memphis. Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. says COGIC is at “a new level of spiritual excellence, persistence and ardor.” He confers with Bishop Nathaniel Wells of Muskegon, Mich., during the Anointing Service on Tuesday morning at historic Mason Temple. See Religion, Page 11. (Photo by Earl Stanback)
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Bishop P. A. Brooks, First Assistant Presiding Bishop Prelate, Michigan Northeast, introduces the evening’s messenger, Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Prelate, Virginia Historic First.
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The Markham family and eight of their nine children attend the 101st annual Holy Convocation. Row 1: Malynda, Marilyn Markham, Mallory, Pastor Torrance Markham, and Mariyah Row 2: James, Andrew, Maranda, Maridith and Torrance II (Not pictured: Madelyn Markham)
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Pictured: Mother Willie M. Rivers, General Supervisor, Department of Women; First Lady Mae Blake; Evangelist Louise Patterson, widow of former Presiding Bishop G. E. Patterson; and Mother Artaska King, Chairperson of the National Advisory Board Department of Women.
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Missionary Frances Kelly (seated front right) and other Missionaries worship during the Anointing Service at Mason Temple on Tuesday Morning.
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Dr. David A. Hall Sr. of Temple COGIC in Memphis delivers the Tuesday evening message.
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“And then we do it with resurrection power – the same power by which Jesus was raised from the dead. We intend and we are focusing on addressing the needs and the challenges of the world with that power. And if God can raise Jesus from the dead, he can give us amazing power to impact the ills and the evils of our society.”
The Holy Convocation unfolded as the nation went to the polls and made history with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Blake voted early and sent out a message to COGIC “Saints” urging those who planned to be in Memphis on Election Day to make sure they took advantage of the early-voting period.
Noting that it is an election year within COGIC, Bishop Blake observed what he called a “spirit of mutual respect and unity” among those vying for offices.
HOLY CONVOCATION BRIEFS
Nightly Convocation Updates
For the past fourteen years, Memphis Pastor Brandon B. Porter has produced a nightly telecast with highlights and schedule information for Convocation events. This late night one-hour program airs at 1 a.m. on Channel 3, the local CBS affiliate. The program offers excerpts from sermons and songs as well as the personal greetings and testimonies of hundreds of delegates that have traveled to Memphis from all over the world.
Christmas In November
In 1997, the office of COGIC Public Relations organized the first Christmas in November under Porter’s direction. During this annual event, COGIC Saints give away food, clothes, and toys to thousands of needy families during the Holy Convocation.
The event will take place on Sat. Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon under the white tent behind the historical Chisca Hotel downtown Memphis. Look for the gospel tent.
Live broadcast on COGIC Official Day
Presiding Bishop Blake will give his annual address to Convocation delegates on Sunday Nov. 9 at the FedEx Forum.
In addition to the thousands of Convocation delegates who will be watching via simulcast in churches all across the Memphis area, the service is being broadcast live nationwide on The WORD Network. The Word Network is an urban Christian network available on DIRECTV and Comcast cable providers.
In addition, the service will be streaming live via Internet at www.thewordnetwork.com.
Interdenominational Service
Sunday night of the Holy Convocation is the night COGIC leadership opens its platform to brothers and sisters in faith from other denominations.
This year the Church of God In Christ welcomes Bishop T. D. Jakes.
The services will begin at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at the FedExForum.
COGIC Elections
The Church of God In Christ Quadrennial elections will take place Tuesday, Nov 11.
Voters include COGIC Pastors, Elders and other members of the General Assembly.
Voters are to determine who will serve the COGIC laity in the offices of General Board members, Trustee Board members, General Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.
