Those that missed the 2013 Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ Annual Men’s Day service on Saturday, August 3 missed a real treat – for somewhere between here and there, the spirit of the Lord moved mightily through the example of godly men! Travelling all the way from Virginia Beach, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. and the St. Stephens Church Of God In Christ family were invited to join in the celebration.
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The service opened with prayer by Deacon Jeffery Howard and scripture reading by Deacon David Moses. Next, the men’s praise team, led by Minister André Powell, ushered in a spirit of blessings and adoration unto the King of kings with “Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul” and Tye Tribette’s familiar tune, “Everything.”
“I just keep thinking about how God is truly everything to me!” exclaimed Minster Eugene McCown as he presided over the attentive congregation. And just like that, a mini praise-break erupted as people began to remind themselves of what God had been to them.
Following, Elder Wales Trent came with a special welcome to the guests and visitors.
“I greet you with a holy kiss,” he began and demonstrated with a wave to the crowd, “…to all the blood-bought trophies of the Most High!” His eloquent prose and proclamation was met with smiles and several amens – indeed, all in the house of the Lord felt welcomed!
Another special treat came with the introduction of the Men’s choir! The men truly rocked the house, singing in perfect harmony.
“God’s got a way…”began Brother Michael Benjamin as he led the first selection
“…that you can’t go around. You must come in at the door!” came the choral response from the men, with hands clapping and feet pounding as they moved back and forth to the beat of the drums.
Elder John Mabry, chairman of the Annual Men’s Day service, led the time of offertory giving. With class and style, the men and young boys proudly marched the aisles and gladly gave back to the Lord what He had blessed them with.
Following a final selection from the Men’s choir, led by Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr., and a selection from the St. Stephens choir, it was time for the Word of God.
The honored guest for the afternoon was General Board member and jurisdictional prelate for Virginia One, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. While he was unable to attend due to his General Board responsibilities, he sent his full support through the attendance of his church and a powerful message through Executive Pastor Bruce Hughes.
“It happened between here and there,” began Elder Hughes, coming from John 9. He went on to tell the story of the man, blind from his youth, who was miraculously healed by Jesus.
“When the Pharisees asked the man how he’d been healed,” continued Elder Hughes, “his response was, ‘I don’t know if he’s a sinner… but somewhere between here and there, I was healed!’”
By now, the congregation was fully charged! A spirit of encouragement rippled through the people as they were reminded that God is able to do a miraculously work in their lives.
“In spite of what you may think, something happened within me between here and there!” preached Elder Hughes. “When Jesus comes in, He delivers and sets free!”
At this, the people of God rejoiced and celebrated at the Good News of Christ’s healing and life-changing power.
“Now is the time to come to the altar and get what you need from God,” Pastor Pruitte advised the congregation once Elder Hughes had finished preaching. “And if you’re going to come, come quickly!”
With that invitation, people streamed to the front of the sanctuary. It was truly a time to get in the presence of God and thank Him in advance for what He was doing – or was able to do – in their lives!
By all accounts, the Annual Men’s Day service was a great success! Not only were the people reminded that true men of God stand for holiness, but somewhere between here and there, the Lord blessed the whole house.