Thoughts of Receiving from God's Abundant Wealth

In 2 Corinthians 9, it states if you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly and if you sow bountifully you will also reap bountifully. If you give freely, God will supply your needs, physically and spiritually. Friends, you know members in this church and in your community who has given honestly and freely to the Lord and God gives them more and more. Perhaps you’re one of those people who have learned the reality and truth about being a steward of God’s unlimited riches.

It is like going to the blood bank and you give your blood, a precious commodity. In 36 hours, you have that blood back. Your body reproduces it. God returns the blood that you gave in approximately 36 hours. (This is a wonderful illustration- Please take note that there are approximately 10 pints of blood in the average human body!) That is the way it is with God.  He may not return your giving to you within 36 hours, but He will return it with interest. 

Remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21 that came to Jesus and Jesus said go sell all that you have and give to the poor and then you could come. People hear that and say, you mean you have to give all your money away? No, I do not think that is what it is saying. What He was saying is that there is something between you and me and it is your money. 

There was a slave one time that was a great Christian and he gave testimony to his master. One day his master came to him and said, "Whatever you have I want. You have such peace and contentment and joy.  How can I get this?" The slave answered, "Go to your house, put on your white suit and come down here and work in the mud with the rest of us and you can have it." He said, "What are you talking about? I could not do that. I am the master and you are the slave. That would be beneath my dignity." He then walked away angered with his slave. A few months passed and he came back to the slave and said, "I cannot resist asking you again. What is it that you possess and how can I have this?" He said, "I told you. Go put your white suit on and come down and work with us in the mud and you could have it." And he was furious again and stomped away. Finally, in desperation, he came again. "I do not care what it takes," he said, "I have to have that assurance that you live in. I'll do anything." The slave said, "Go put on your white suit and come down. Will you do that?" "Yes," Replied the master “I will do whatever it takes.” The slave said, "You do not have to." 

You see the point? He knew what was standing between the man and Christ - pride.   And that is all Jesus is saying. Until you are detached from your money you are separated from God because you cannot serve both. Giving is a matter of attitude. Remember what Solomon said? What is new? Nothing! The system of giving is the same. We learn what we choose to learn. Where is your treasure? What is really important to you? Giving is sacrificial. It is not the amount. It is what it costs you to give. Even when there is little there is much when God is in it.

Carol Dillard

Stewardship Ministries

Adapted from a sermon by:

Rev. Fr. William Chiganos

Holy Apostles Church

Westchester, Illinois

Video Archives of State Convention

You can access the archived videos from the 2011 Washington State COGOP Convention at the link below, courtesy of New Horizons Church.
www.ustream.tv/channel/new-horizons-church

Overseer's Insight: September 2011

Washington State Convention Report

A Plethora of Blessings was experienced this year at State Convention held at the Kennewick, Red Lion Inn.  Bishop/Dr. Hector Ortiz was our Representative and he delivered some outstanding messages, challenging all of us to move up to a higher place. When we see things at a higher level, we have a vantage point with a better view that allows us to go higher with God than ever before.

Bishop/Dr. Knoblich and our Gordon-Conwell Representative Dr. Ortiz conducted a graduation ceremony, complete with caps and gowns on Saturday morning.  It was an outstanding ceremony with eight students graduating with a Diploma in Religious Studies through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  The Graduates were: Pastor Jim Alexander, Chaplain Ray Clark, Pastor Leonard Lord, Pastor William Martinez, Bishop Samuel Munoz, Pastor Sheri Paquette, Bishop Frank Smith, and Assistant Pastor Shelly Symonds.  Two of these, William Martinez and Sheri Paquette, graduated with academic honors, .  Congratulations are due to every one of our graduates, so when you see them, be sure and offer your congratulations to them.

Bishop Knoblich delivered his annual address as well on Saturday morning.  It was a power packed message that centered around the theme of being “Driven by the Spirit.”  He challenged all of us first of all to be Full of the Holy Ghost so we are able to be Driven by the Spirit.  Then he challenged us to be Driven by the Spirit in prayer, in study of the word, in reaching souls in the harvest, in being faithful stewards, and in being Pastor Passionate.  His message was followed by a powerful altar service with many being ministered to.  

Saturday evening was our Youth Service directed by Shelly Symonds.  Her message correlated with Dr. Ortiz’s thoughts.  She talked to the youth on what it is to “Be Cool”.  It has nothing to do with your name, what you do, or the clothes you wear.  It has everything to do with your relationship with Christ.  Again, there was a powerful altar service with the 29+ years of age generation praying with our youth. Sister Shelly challenged the youth to step up to “fill the gap of ministry.”

The highlight of Sunday morning was our healing line service.  In excess of a hundred people went through the healing line to be anointed and  prayed for.  People experienced wonderful healings and deliverances and answered prayers.  Some were slain in the Sprit and others danced in the Spirit.  It was a glorious time that will not soon be forgotten.  We would like to encourage you to send in to the Lamplighter a testimony of what God did for you during this time so others can rejoice with you and that other’s faith may be lifted.   Please send this to Pastor Rob at:  rjjunior@hotmail.com.  We would love to hear your testimony, so please share it with us.

Sunday morning concluded with an Affirmation and Prayer Service for all appointed State Workers and Pastors.  Our prayer is that God would mightily bless and use each one as they reach into the Harvest Field, as they are “Driven By The Spirit.”

People have commented that this was the best Convention yet!!  We want to thank Sister Pam Murkerson and all of our musicians  for the outstanding job they did in leading worship.  The special singing done before and during service was inspirational and a blessing as well.  We want to thank all that contributed to the success of our convention, all of the workers and also the delegates.

A special thanks from our hearts for the special Love offering to us, the Knoblich’s, as well as the blessings spoken over us as you came through the line to shake our hands or give us a blessing hug.

We feel like we have the “Greatest People” to be found anywhere!  Thank you for your love and support to us. Please make plans to come next year and bring someone with you!!

E.L.I.T.E.  (Emerging Leadership Intensive Training Excursion)

September 23-25, 2011 at the Kirkland Family Church, there is going to be a powerful weekend of training for our older teens and for young adults.  State Youth Ministries Director, Sister Shelly Symonds states that this weekend will be specifically designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Word of God, for those wanting to know how to share Christ, for those feeling that God is calling them and how to start on that journey.  There will be information given on being a licensed minister and the importance of continuing your education (e.g., S.O.P.A.S and Gordon Conwell).  There will also be  practical information given on ways to study the Bible and the importance of prayer.  So, again, please mark this date on your calendars and encourage all youth that are aspiring to be leaders in the church to attend this important training session.

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 3-5, 2012.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  All of us are part of the wonderfully designed plan of God.  We are expecting a wonderful time in the Lord!  International World Mission’s Director, Bishop David Bryan and his lovely wife, Sister Rosita will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They both are so excited  to be with us.  Applications have been given to the pastors and some will be sent out individually.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: wacogop.homestead.com

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30^th, 2011.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Regional Ladies Retreat

As you learned at State Convention, the Regional Ladies Retreat will be held at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver, WA on November 4-6, 2011.  This is the Retreat that is directed by Sister Cathy Payne, International Women’s Ministries Director.  So, ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

Events Calendar for 2011

September 22-25         Institute of Children’s Ministry - Ridgecrest, NC

September 23-25         E.L.I.T.E. Training (Shelly Symonds) - Kirkland Family Church

September 22-25         Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID                          

                                    (Introduction To Pentecostalism - Dr. Ortiz)

October                       Clergy Appreciation Month

October 27-30             Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church and Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

November 4-6             Regional Ladies Retreat (Cathy Payne) - Vancouver, WA

November 11-13         Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

                                                           

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Overseer's Insight: August 2011

Dear Saints:

I recently  received the totals for our Summer Youth Camps.  In all of the four camps there was a total of 173 Campers and 124 Staff.  There were 41 Saved, 43 Sanctified, 45 Baptized in the Holy Spirit, and 32 that were Water Baptized.  Thank God for these wonderful Experiences!  Again, these statistics demonstrate how critical our Camping Program is in ministering to the Youth in our churches and for those that come from a non-church background.  I am thankful for all of our dedicated staff, directors, and our Coordinators, Bob and Donella Gaines.  They all did a terrific job and we indeed are thankful for their hearts of ministry to our youth.

Washington State Convention

Sister Knoblich and I came back a couple of weeks ago from the Alaska State Convention in Anchorage.  My how the Spirit of the Lord ministered, right from the first session!  I am expecting no less for our Washington State Convention in just a couple of weeks.  We look forward to seeing you there!  Be prayed up and ready to enter into some fantastic worship and ministry of the Word!

Please make sure that you have your rooms reserved!  State Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hispanic Ministries, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program!

I am hearing that a good number have already registered.  So, please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention.  Please note that the room block was taken off as of August 1^st.  However, if you call right away and tell them you are with the Church of God of Prophecy, you may get the special room rate.   The number for the  Red Lion is (509-783-0611).

E.L.I.T.E.  (Emerging Leadership Intensive Training Excursion)

September 23-25, 2011 at the Kirkland Family Church, there is going to be a powerful weekend of training for our older teens and for young adults.  State Youth Ministries Director, Sister Shelly Symonds states that this weekend will be specifically designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Word of God, for those wanting to know how to share Christ, for those feeling that God is calling them and how to start on that journey.  There will be information given on being a licensed minister and the importance of continuing your education (e.g., S.O.P.A.S and Gordon Conwell).  There will also be  practical information given on ways to study the Bible and the importance of prayer.  So, again, please mark this date on your calendars and encourage all youth that are aspiring to be leaders in the church to attend this important training session.

Regional Ladies Retreat

We have just received word that the Regional Ladies Retreat will be held at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver, WA on November 4-6, 2011.  This is the Retreat that is directed by Sister Cathy Payne, International Women’s Ministries Director.  So, ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

Events Calendar for 2011

August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick

September 22-25         Institute of Children’s Ministry - Ridgecrest, NC

September 23-25         E.L.I.T.E. Training (Shelly Symonds) - Kirkland Family Church

September 23-26         Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID                          

                                    (Introduction To Pentecostalism - Dr. Ortiz)

October                       Clergy Appreciation Month

October 27-30             Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church and Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

November 4-6             Regional Ladies Retreat (Cathy Payne) - Vancouver, WA

November 11-13         Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Convention Nursery Needs Volunteers

I am in need of nursery workers for State Convention this year. As of now, no one has volunteered except for Granger. I need 4 groups of at least 3 workers. Youth are okay as long as there is an adult to supervise. Please ask your congregations and let me know if anyone is interested. If we do not get volunteers this year we will not have nursery at convention. This is a much needed ministry at convention. Thank you for you attention to this matter.

 

Pastor Samantha Bradley

509-793-6233

Calling All Ushers for State Convention

Dear Pastors, Head Ushers and State Leaders,

Greetings in the name of the Lord and Savior.  Our Annual State Convention is coming up very soon and I am expecting a great time of blessings in the Spirit of the Lord.  It gives me great pleasure to visit and fellowship with all my brothers and sisters in Christ during this annual event.

This year as in years past, I am going to need assistance from all the churches to help with ushering during the convention. I want to take this time to thank those churches and individuals who have provided assistance in the past.  Although many have volunteered so faithfully in the past, at times there has been a shortage of help. It would be so helpful, and very much appreciated if each church could assign at least one individual from their congregation to serve as an usher or usherette for this year’s convention. I will be conducting an ushers’ meeting on Friday at 6:00pm in the lobby at the convention room entrance. The purpose of this meeting will be to assign individuals to tasks and sessions. Please encourage your assigned usher or usherette to attend this meeting. The dress code for ushers or usherettes is dress shirts, dress slacks or dress.  PLEASE, NO JEANS OR T-SHIRTS.

State Leaders, please provide me with any hand-outs or other desired materials in advance.  By doing so, you will be equipping me and the ushering team with the ability to make your part on program flow smoothly. Thanks for your consideration and assistance. Looking forward to many blessings! See you soon!

Pak Keung Wong

Convention Head Usher

Phone: 425-232-1981 or 509-396-7590

pakjwong@charter.net

Local Church Report: KFC

The past few months have been busy ones at Kirkland family Church!   In June there was an auction to help raise funds to send our kids to camp.  This was a lot of fun and a great success!!  A big thanks to those who planned and supported this fundraiser.  We were able to send 14 campers and a lot of staff for the various camps this year.  It is a blessing to have members who are willing to fill in while our Pastors are away.  Jim Brown did a great job while Pastor Kaye was at camp.

Sunday following the camping season is dedicated as camp T-shirt Sunday and a celebration of our camping ministry.   A DVD of all the camps was shown.  Everyone who worked and attended each camp were given the opportunity to tell what they enjoyed most about that camp.  It was great to hear the testimonies and how God blessed all of the camps this year!  God is so good!!

On July 9^th was the first annual “A Good Man’s Ride” in honor of Pastor Dave Cabales.  After the ride, everyone met at South Sound Harley for a hotdog lunch and fellowship.  It was a beautiful day for the ride.  We have a wonderful church family that worked together to make this ride possible.

 

The ladies celebrated a bridal shower for Kelani Murkerson at Pastor Kaye’s home.   Shelly did a great job planning the shower.  Everyone had a great time!  Congratulations’ and best wishes to Kelani and Josh and they begin their life together!!