Mississippi messenger

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the

Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

for a Year of Blessings

It has been an amazing year for Teri and I to

serve as your Administrative Bishop. God

has helped us lead this great state to many

record breaking achievements and I would

like to take a moment to give God the glory

for His blessings upon us and Mississippi.

Upon arriving to MS, God helped us

purchase a new state office and training

center for pastors and leaders. We purchased

and remodeled a state parsonage for the

Administrative Bishop and we just recently

secured a brand new home for the Youth &

Discipleship Director.

MISSION OUTREACH TO LOUISIANA In the middle of a devastating storm that struck our sister state, Bishop Tim Hill made a plea for

the Church of God to stand beside her. In turn, I requested every church in MS to take a special

offering for LA. We celebrate today because we have sent $113,000 in cash offerings and

supplies to the state of LA (and counting). In the process we have adopted Life Church Central

and have sent out of the $113,000 a total of $70,000 specifically to Bishop Monty Lassiter and his

local church. Thank You Pastors and Laity of Mississippi for your continued support and ministry

to a community pummeled by flood waters, some not once but twice in the past 6 months.

We had devastation hit two of our churches

in MS and through your support and

donations we rebuilt both locations. We

have seen record giving, over $11 million

dollars to the local churches and a state

record of over $500,000 sent to the state

office. SHIFT has seen well over $200,000

come in to help our local churches, pastors,

students, and retired ministers/widows.

I can’t express to you what God is doing in

MS other than, TO GOD BE THE

GLORY!! Praise God and Thank You for

your faithfulness. Hebrews 10:23 Let us

hold fast the confession of our hope without

wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

State Events

September 23-25

Black Ministries Fall Festival

Tupelo Church of God

October 6-7

State Ministers’ Meeting

Christway Church of God

October 28-29

Healthy Church Conference

Destiny Church

Hattiesburg, MS

November 11-12

Healthy Church Conference

Tupelo Church of God

Tupelo, MS

November 23-25

State Office Closed

Thanksgiving Holiday

December 19 - January 1

State office Closed

Christmas & New Year’s

Thank You

The 2016 LifeBuilders Men’s conference was a great success. I truly believe men were restored and

encouraged during the weekend. David Ring did an outstanding job sharing his story and helping

men realize WE ARE BLESSED, then on Saturday Bishop Tim Hill, our General Overseer of the

Church of God, challenged us to be men full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The alters filled with men

seeking God and the power of the Holy Spirit. I can’t express enough how thankful I am for all those that

attended this year!

FROM THE DESK OF BISHOP MOODY

I want to challenge the Men of MS with this scripture, 1 Corinthians 16:

13-14; Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all

that you do be done in love. This world that we live in today need to see

men acting like men, men of honor, integrity, chivalry, and faithful to

God, their family, and the church. So men, as you continue to lead your

family, hold fast to the faith in Jesus Christ and take the embers from the

men’s conference back to your local congregations to reach your

family first and the community second for the kingdom of God.

Bishop Moody

Morgantown Church of God Morgantown Church of God Morgantown Church of God

Celebrates 100 Years!Celebrates 100 Years!Celebrates 100 Years!

August 14, 2016 was a special day for Morgantown Church of God. Over 500 people gathered together to join in

celebrating our 100 year Anniversary. The focus was on celebrating our theme, “100 years of faith and family.” The

day started out with Rod N Staff leading us in praise and worship, and was followed by an amazing video that gave us a

brief look into the history of our church. We honored Pastors, church mothers, leaders, laity, and others who through

blood, sweat, and tears labored to bring Jesus to the Morgantown Community. We also had our State Representative,

Ken Morgan, present a Resolution to our church congratulating us on 100 years of spiritual excellence. We then

honored Lay member, Larry Morgan, with a plaque for his service in the construction of the new sanctuary, and

enjoyed seeing Sister Bethel Scarborough, our longest serving member of almost 85 years. We were honored to have

our

Administrative Bishop, Chris Moody and his family in service, who spoke a powerful message. We were also thankful

to have our State Youth Director, Bishop Dewayne Moree and family. Our day ended with a time of great food and

fellowship. I believe August 14, 2016 was a testimony to the very words of Morgantown’s first pastor, Warren Evans,

reported on August 7,1915 after the close of his first meeting, “A few were saved and an altar full of seekers, I feel

that there have been some gospel seeds sown that will spring up into everlasting life.”

My wife, Kayla, and I are extremely humbled to pastor this amazing church with such a rich heritage. I stand on the

shoulders of those pastors that sacrificed in ways that I will never understand, and I praise God for them and their

families.

Psalms 119:90 Your faithfulness endures to all generation.

Thank you Lord for your blessings on all of us!

Pastor Cory Odom

It is hard to believe a year has passed since our family embarked on a new adventure and new

chapter in our lives. I had peace knowing God was with us and in control. There is a picture on

my wall that says, “The Will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect

you”. It was one of the first items purchased for the new state parsonage. One of my favorite

passages of scripture is Pslam 91: 1-2, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find

rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of

safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him.” When we are placed in an unpleasant situation, or

life throws us a curve ball, we are to put our trust in Him. As women this can be hard to do

sometimes. I have found it to be comforting to know God has my life in His hands, and I trust His

will.

God is with you always. He loves you and is your protection. There is nowhere you can go where

He can’t find you. He is everywhere. Seek him out…search for him with your heart. Be encouraged

in the fact that He wants that relationship with you and forgives you for your sins. Start today, from

this moment forward, as a new day. Today is filled with new opportunities and experiences. He will

protect you! Praise His glorious name for His faithfulness!! Blessings,

MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF TERI

Mississippi Church of God Women’s

Discipleship

Teri Moody

State WD Director

Mary Moree Girls Ministries Director

State WD Board

Linda Anderson Sharon Bass Bobbie Ezell

Lou Ann Golden Patti Hauser

Connie Walters

STATE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

APRIL 21-22, 2017 @ CHRISTWAY CHURCH OF GOD

“Equipping for the Kingdom” State Ministers’ Meeting

Special Session for Pastor’s Wives and Women’s Ministry Leaders Friday, October 7, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

Join us as we look at a ‘how-to’, practical approach to Women’s Ministry.

We will also be sharing the new Women’s Discipleship programs for

2016-2017.

I know you will make every effort to attend this very important meeting!

*Please R.S.V.P. to the State Office if you plan to attend

MMISSISSIPPIISSISSIPPI SSTATISTICALTATISTICAL SSUMMARYUMMARY

Church and Pastor Tithes On

Campus Worship

Bethany District

Abundant Life, Jimmie Smith 5,869.50 63 67

Bethany, Duran Palmertree 1,102.40 33 38

Eupora, Glenda Mays 2,716.50 54 73

Eupora West, Raymond Miller 899 11 19

Immanuel Church of God, Will Lott 4,399.42 12 25

McCool Church of God, Henry Doss 1,949.84 21 41

William Springs, John Lumbley 738.65 21 27

Cleveland/Greenville District

Cleveland, Greg Chamblee 11,830.86 72 109

Hollandale Church of God, David Jones 2,477.82 8 9

Impact Church, Scott Volland 18,106.70 122 141

New Beginnings, Gospel Hr Fellowship,

William Powell 913.8 8 16

Pilgrim Rest Church of God, Howard Haar 2,574.44 4 22

Walton Chapel, Linnie Maples 3,867.70 0 0

Greenwood District

God's Harvest, Tim Howell 8,780.20 64 66

Greenwood, Michael Mooneyham 10,453.68 42 70

Isola, Linda Goad 0 10 10

New Beginnings, Willie Hart 1,870.22 38 51

Yazoo City, Dan Durbin 4,867.10 13 13

Grenada District

Gatewood, Fred Moorman 562.33 10 18

Grenada Church of God, James McElroy 24,510.34 268 245

Lighthouse Church of God, Farrell Wilson 1,615.50 27 46

North Shady Grove, Jerry Hill 5,421.12 34 38

Springdale Family WC, Shannon Kendall 7,170.25 0 24

Stonefield, Mark Moore 5,185.20 47 34

Water Valley, Jerry James Vaughn 247.59 13 13

Winona, Jesse Strider 6,134.85 91 82

Gulf Coast District

Amazing Love Ministry Center,

Dewayne Blackwell 2,354.40 16 38

Bay St Louis, Charles Hand 950.6 0 22

Faith Chapel, Ronald Bear 4,102.54 30 48

Gulfport Church of God, Travis Taylor 977.6 11 23

Gulfport, River of Life, Thomas Ray Clute 2,220.92 31 58

Mitchell Chapel, Tony Wheeler 3,758.20 72 66

Picayune, John Blaine 5,542.69 0 42

Rivers of Living Waters, Carolyn Jackson N/R 0 0

Victory Temple, Michael Brown 861.33 18 21

Church and Pastor Tithes On

Campus Worship

Hattiesburg District

25,438.41 169 198 Destiny Church, Don Hooper

948.2 0 10 Mahned Church of God, Loretta Smith

3,827.52 25 54 New Life Church of God, J D Speed

20,649.95 153 167 Purvis, Victor Stewart

4,642.96 31 51 Runnelstown, Nathan Franklin

11,168.00 73 129 Spiritual Life Center, Eric Richard

8,235.65 50 112 Trinity Heights, Bevon Joe Smith

Jackson District

Canton, End Time Harvest,

James Robertson 524.77 0 11

Christway Church of God, Ronnie Walters 33,367.44 150 193

Elton Woods Church of God, Steve Bullion 5,702.67 54 81

Faith Family Church 8,731.82 46 62

Quest Community Church, Ed Hauser 2,808.60 25 86

Refuge Church, D. Tony Winkler 9,764.34 61 110

Westhaven, Charles Finch 2,546.00 43 25

Lucedale District

Beaumont, Russell Brown 5,033.60 29 29

Benndale, Richard Maples 5,571.80 25 48

Eastview, Milton Robinson 2,568.98 45 21

GracePointe Church, Tommy Havard 6,245.57 53 50

Leaf, Billy Byrd 4,454.40 15 17

Leakesville, Boyd Beech 1,567.16 11 15

Lucedale Church of God, Dennis Laughlin 16,174.83 97 122

McLain Church of God, Lewis D Maples 6,868.24 58 79

Meridian District

Cornerstone, Todd Tilghman 16,369.95 65 196

Temple of Praise, Mike Miles 3,500.00 15 15

Union, Lester Miles 3,593.52 14 24

Mid-South (Laurel) District

Avera, Barry Sullivan 1,169.67 28 42

Church of the Harvest, Robert Lewis 1,000.00 18 34

Clara Church of God 23,128.04 112 91

County Line, Curtis Sullivan 1,704.30 16 16

Harvest Temple, Eddie Bean 17,034.10 68 115

Ignite Church, Curtis Pitts 18,685.23 240 342

Richton, Donnie Havard 3,791.20 56 47

Strong Tower Worship Center,

Danny Atkinson N/R 0 0

Morton District

All Seasons Worship Center, Tim Lott 13,745.20 189 278

Magee, David Dean N/R 0 0

Mendenhall, Kevin Walker 2,412.67 54 40

Morton Church of God, Randy Rigney 16,709.78 140 157

Raleigh, Mary (Sally) Jones 879.4 19 20

South Shady Grove, Randy Barry Warren 9,377.29 59 60

Waco, Jeremy Smith 9,139.75 60 120

Church and Pastor Tithes On

Campus Worship

Mt. Carmel District

Crossroads, Joe Miller 5,123.90 106 66

Magnolia Church of God, J. Demond Kennedy 1,764.66 20 22

Mays Creek, Patrick Regan 684 16 16

Morgantown, Cory Odom 27,882.77 289 313

Mt Carmel, Daniel Smith 9,889.72 141 104

Mt Sinai, Kerry Collins 1,863.40 27 38

Richland Creek, Terry Bradley 6,195.89 50 65

North Delta (Charleston) District

Charleston, Lamar Davis 4,616.22 42 53

Clarksdale, Bobby Housley 2,098.78 19 27

Community Church of God, Eric Gregg 10,179.75 20 44

Crenshaw, Linda Hicks 392.49 15 19

Friendship, Ricky T. Cook 1,250.00 0 31

Goodwill Worship Center, Anthony Dean 4,676.63 24 40

New Hope, Raymond Aven 5,453.00 38 65

New Life, Marks, Ivory Sims 1,600.00 6 0

Sumner 1,965.74 12 14

Whosoever Church of God, Matt Hill 3,323.80 2 50

Northeast (Iuka) District

Booneville, Keith Skelton 2,702.00 18 33

Corinth, John Preston Smith 358.41 9 13

Iuka Church of God, Rodney Windham 4,672.40 28 46

Oak Grove, Todd Kemp 563.4 18 18

Ripley, Willie Ralph Raines 1,123.20 16 18

Union Chapel, James Mooney 965.6 0 11

Wheeler, Kevin Balius 3,347.20 30 30

Northern (Southaven) District

Abundant Life Church, Michael Holland 7,470.50 31 41

Center Hill Church of God, Billy Shelby 828.00 19 24

Colonial Hills 6,204.00 37 61

New Beginnings, Anthony Cole 1,158.33 0 21

Senatobia, Jody Boling 6,408.60 74 51

Pascagoula District

Biloxi, Lighthouse, Steve Weston 3,170.80 8 24

Gautier Church of God, Saxton Odom 2,049.24 48 32

New Vision, Jeffrey Saksa 4,392.40 32 48

Pascagoula, Eugene Eubanks 2,469.00 12 22

Pearl River District

Decatur Church of God, Ed Dickerson 6,003.42 53 64

Freetrade, Mark Gill 21,781.01 276 214

Hudson Chapel, Tim Lee Bedwell 1,404.00 44 33

Oak Ridge, Daniel Richardson 1,930.60 23 24

Philadelphia, Sean Rodgers 5,931.94 36 59

Pleasant Hill, Rick Lal 9,726.59 35 77

Reid Chapel, Harmon Smith 9,050.66 51 33

Rocky Hill, Brett Cooper 15,863.19 98 118

Church and Pastor Tithes On

Campus Worship

South Central District

Baxterville, Terry Rayborn 1,522.60 26 27

Columbia West, Earl Delane Turnage 4,601.40 14 18

Columbia, Lakeview, A. D. Gammill 4,471.30 55 52

Life Church of God, Larry Evans 13,679.04 150 143

Murray Hill, Joe Robbins 3,439.50 29 44

Southwest District

Brookhaven, Randall Buchanan 3,515.72 38 54

Bude Church of God 7,335.10 107 81

Clay Hill 1,519.18 9 11

McCall Creek, Travis Touchstone 2,621.40 17 27

Natchez McNeely Rd COG, Brian Monehan 32,472.74 286 296

Parkview Church of God, Eddie King 4,816.14 36 54

Praise Cathedral, Lee Miley 18,400.06 180 119

Starkville District

Ackerman, James Little 7,172.27 60 66

Maben Church of God, Brian Wells 3,343.00 19 50

Mathiston Church of God, Michael Mann 8,403.14 39 65

Open Door Worship Center, C. Shane Ray 350 11 12

Starkville Church of God, Jesse Duncan 18,531.83 444 124

Tabernacle of Faith & Deliverance,

Othell Sullivan 1,498.26 20 20

Transformational Church, Alex Jackson 1,989.76 10 40

West Point, Al Stockton 4,792.40 26 43

West Point, Progress St., William Golden 4,959.03 41 59

Yorkville Heights, Bobby Richardson 3,171.40 52 78

Thorn District

Daniels Temple, W. D. Hill 3,548.10 16 31

Fame Church of God, Kenneth Smith 1,893.69 16 16

Houston Church of God, James Crutcher 3,604.85 35 23

New Life (Iglesia Nueva Vida), Alberto

Mejia N/R 0 0

Open Door Church of God N/R 0 0

Thorn Church of God, Arnold Amason 24,012.24 94 116

True Vine Church of God, Martha Williams 2,439.46 46 139

Tupelo District

Baldwyn, Marvin Henry 426 2 11

Gattman, Clarence Roberts 1,930.37 15 15

Grace Pointe Church of God, Marc Bowers 8,660.69 60 97

Harvest Temple, C. Shane Ray N/R 0 0

Harvest Time, David Hall 687.67 0 0

New Albany, Holy Temple, Charles Ferrell 5,435.66 60 50

New Vision Worship Center, Bobby Allred 2,362.18 32 49

Okolona, James Armstrong 909.33 0 18

Open Door Worship Center, C. Shane Ray 1,476.80 25 120

Tupelo Church of God, Judd Vowell 36,115.56 126 259

Tupelo, del Dios Vivo, Alfonso Fernandez 1,947.23 0 30

MARCH 2016MARCH 2016--JULY 2016JULY 2016

Top 20 Tithes

Church and Pastor Tithes

Tupelo Church of God, Judd Vowell $36,116.00

Christway Church of God, Ronnie Walters $33,367.00

Natchez McNeely Rd COG, Brian Monehan $32,473.00

Morgantown, Cory Odom $27,883.00

Destiny Church, Don Hooper $25,438.00

Grenada Church of God, James McElroy $24,510.00

Thorn Church of God, Arnold Amason $24,012.00

Clara Church of God, Rick Lal $23,128.00

Freetrade Church of God, Mark Gill $21,781.00

Purvis Church of God, Victor Stewart $20,650.00

Ignite Church, Curtis Pitts $18,685.00

Starkville Church of God, Jesse Duncan $18,532.00

Praise Cathedral, Lee Miley $18,400.00

Impact Church, Scott Volland $18,107.00

Harvest Temple Church of God, Edward Bean $17,034.00

Morton Church of God, Randy Rigney $16,710.00

Cornerstone Church of God, Todd Tilghman $16,370.00

Lucedale Church of God, Dennis Laughlin $16,175.00

Rocky Hill Church of God, Brett Cooper $15,863.00

All Seasons Worship Center, Tim Lott $13,745.00

Tithe Breakers

Church and Pastor Record

March 2016

Thorn Church of God, Arnold Amason $34,688.84

April 2016

God's Harvest, Tim Howell $10,785.00

New Life Church of God, J D Speed $5,440.00

Tupelo, del Dios Vivo, Alfonso Fernandez $2,315.00

May 2016

Abundant Life Church, Michael Holland $10,658.50

True Vine Church of God, Martha Williams $3,273.04

July 2016

Brookhaven Church of God, Randall Buchanan $7,867.00

Columbia West, Earl Delane Turnage $9,972.00

Morton Church of God, W Randy Rigney $22,466.07

Top 20 Morning Worship

Church and Pastor Morning

Worship

Ignite Church, Curtis Pitts 342

Morgantown Church of God, Cory Odom 313

Natchez McNeely Rd COG, Brian Monehan 296

All Seasons Worship Center, Tim Lott 278

Tupelo Church of God, Judd Vowell 259

Grenada Church of God, James McElroy 245

Freetrade Church of God, Mark Gill 214

Destiny Church, Don Hooper 198

Cornerstone Church of God, Todd Tilghman 196

Christway Church of God, Ronnie Walters 193

Purvis Church of God, Victor Stewart 167

Morton Church of God, Randy Rigney 157

Life Church of God, Larry Evans 143

Impact Church, Scott Volland 141

True Vine Church of God, Martha Williams 139

Spiritual Life Center, Eric Richard 129

Starkville Church of God, Jesse Duncan 124

Lucedale Church of God, Dennis Laughlin 122

Open Door Worship Center, Shane Ray 120

Waco Church of God, Jeremy Smith 120

2016 Pastoral Appointments

May - September

Church and Pastor Date

Grace Pointe New Albany, Marc Bowers 5/15/16

Corinth Church of God, Preston Smith 5/22/16

Clarksdale Church of God, Bobby Housley 5/24/16

Raleigh Church of God, Sally Jones 6/22/16

House of Hope, Joey Williams 6/26/16

Temple of Praise, Mike Miles 7/31/16

Mt. Carmel Church of God, Daniel Smith 9/12/16

Pleasant Hill Church of God, Rick Lal 9/19/16

Thorn Church of

God Celebrates

95 Years!

On Sunday, August 21, Thorn Church of God celebrated its 95th anniversary. A history of the church was given and a video of pictures from years gone by as well as some more recent were presented. We had a great day of reminiscing, along with singing, worship and the word brought by Rev. Dennis Laughlin, a former member and one of the many ministers who have gotten their start at Thorn Church of God. We enjoyed a delicious meal and fellowship as we talked about days gone by. We concluded the day with singing in the afternoon by various groups, some of which had once attended but had moved away.

From its humble beginnings out of a brush arbor revival in 1919, to its organization with the Church of God on August 21, 1921, to its present day facilities and community of believers, Thorn Church of God has been blessed with some great Spiritual leaders and heroes of the faith who have faced the challenges and paved the way for us to have what God has blessed us with today.

What an honor it is to serve as pastor of a church with such a rich spiritual heritage as Thorn Church of God.

Pastor Arnold Amason

On June 26, 2016 Bishop Moody traveled to Oakland, Mississippi to

welcome Joey and Leigh Williams and the House of Hope Church into the

Church of God family. That Sunday they had 30 members in attendance.

We celebrate and welcome

this wonderful church into the

Church of God. We encourage

you to get connected with the

wonderful pastor of this

church. Congratulations

House of Hope, we look

forward to what God is going

to do in your future!

House of Hope Church of God

House of Hope Pastor Joey Williams House of Hope Pastor Joey Williams

and his wife Leigh with Bishop and his wife Leigh with Bishop

Moody on June 26, 2016.Moody on June 26, 2016.

YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP REPORT AND UPDATE

If you have a student or group that you would like to enter in this years competition, take a moment

and go to our website mscog.org and download the application or register online.

Jr/Teen talent will be March 24-25 at All Seasons Worship Center in Forest, MS.

Youth & Discipleship ministry in MS is at an all

time HIGH! Pastors and laity should be proud to

celebrate all of the life change that has taken place

in our youth service at camp meeting, summer

youth camp, and summer mission experience. I

can’t express how ecstatic Mary and I are to be

back for another term to continue the great work

that God has in store for the state of MS.

YWEA REPORT: We once again went further

and beyond our average giving to YWEA . This

year we sent $32,104.14 to help rebuild lives and

restore hope in the Philippines. Thank You for all

that you do and are doing for youth ministry

around the world.

YOUTH CAMP REPORT: I hope each of you

received the letter sent to the churches via the Sr.

Pastor to celebrate locally the transformation of

our 2016 camp season. With over 460 campers

this year we saw 40 saved, 27 sanctified, 154

recommitted their life, 81 filled with the holy

spirit, and 14 called to ministry. My heart rejoices

for this fantastic report!

KIDS MINISTRY REPORT: Kids ministry is a

huge heart for the Youth Department and this past

year we did regional kids crusades that reached

over 600 kids and families.

MISSISSIPPI CHURCH OF GOD BLACK MINISTRIES

FALL FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2016

MINISTER COREY LOCKETT

SATURDAY YOUTH SERVICE

TUPELO CHURCH OF GOD 1813 BRIAR RIDGE ROAD, TUPELO, MISSSISSIPPI 38804

ADMINISTRATIVE BISHOP CHRIS MOODY

SUNDAY MORNING

EVANGELIST JOYCELYN BARNETT

FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENING

BISHOP WILLIAM GOLDEN

STATE DIRECTOR OF BLACK MINISTRIES

OCTOBER 28-29

DESTINY CHURCH - HATTIESBURG, MS

NOVEMBER 11-12

TUPELO CHURCH OF GOD - TUPELO, MS

REGISTER ONLINE @ WWW.MSCOG.ORG

Make Plans NOW to attend!

SSSTATETATETATE MMMINISTERSINISTERSINISTERS’ M’ M’ MEETINGEETINGEETING

October 6October 6October 6---7, 20167, 20167, 2016

CHRISTWAY CHURCH OF GOD FLOWOOD, MISSISSIPPI

HEALTHY CHURCH CONFERNCE