Church of God of Prophecy planning special dedication
Atnensa Whittle
The pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy of Lehigh Acres and a committee has planned special ceremonies from April 22-24 to celebrate its new venue.
The community is invited to join them.
Pastor C. Athensa Whittle says the theme for the dedication celebration is “Great is thy faithfulness.”
“We are honored to be here at this special time in the history of the Church of God of Prophecy of Lehigh Area, yet with great anticipation we are expecting even greater things in the future,” she said. “The Bible says in Jeremiah 29-11: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'”
The church is at 301 N. Elva Ave.
It has grown fast since its beginning in 2004, when services were first held on a lanai on Tree Swallow Court. Some 16 people turned out. Those planning the church first met on Michigan Avenue and at other places.
On Friday at 6 p.m., there will be a dedication service with a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of office doors.
An open house and health fair is set for Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. with a gospel concert at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, April 24, there will be a thanksgiving service and ribbon cutting on chairs for members and friends beginning at 4 p.m.
In the few years of the church’s existence, Pastor Athensa said the membership has more than tripled.
The church’s members are active and now there is also a youth ministry with five people administering to the youth. They include Nadir Hinds, Arlene Green, Judith Burke and Rohan Green.
“Our young people have Bible study, a service and other activities which often means watching a movie,” she said.
The church meets on other days of the week and has services always on Wednesday night.
“We are happy to let everyone know that the church is attended by both white and black members and all should feel welcome here,” Athensa said.
Also on hand will be the church’s local bishop, Horatio Cameron of Lehigh. He helps to handle the sermons at different times. She noted that the worship area is large with plenty of seating and the church is planning to build a baptismal pool, too.
During each service, attendees are invited to come forward to receive the Lord and his teachings.
Another person who is very interested in boosting the church’s image in the eyes of Lehigh residents is Janice Boucher, who is affectionately known as “JB.”
The public relations director, she enjoys letting people know that the church is a loving place to worship and interacting with the community is very important.
“We have a 26-member choir every Sunday. There is a dance ministry with our young people that is liturgical with members from age 8 to their early 20s and also a male and female Praise Dance that performs for different churches in the community,” she said.
She noted the church met at a local elementary school before moving into its present venue but rent went from $700 a Sunday to $900 and “that just became too expensive.”
She said the church has also met at a venue through the The Lehigh Corporation. The church was not charged any rental fees and the six months they were promised turned into three years.
“It was a blessing that they would not charge us rent,” she said.
But right now the congregation is gearing up for the special dedication ceremonies and they want folks to remember the weekend.
Pastor Whittle and the Dedication Committee ask that residents mark their calendar
“Above all, we ask that you pray with us as we continue seeking the Lord’s leading and anointing on all our plans for this historic occasion in the Lord’s work. Please show your support by placing an advertisement in our Dedication Journal,” Pastor Whittle said.
For more information, call 239-994-0567 or 239-491-3194.
Church of God of Prophecy planning special dedication
Atnensa Whittle
The pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy of Lehigh Acres and a committee has planned special ceremonies from April 22-24 to celebrate its new venue.
The community is invited to join them.
Pastor C. Athensa Whittle says the theme for the dedication celebration is “Great is thy faithfulness.”
“We are honored to be here at this special time in the history of the Church of God of Prophecy of Lehigh Area, yet with great anticipation we are expecting even greater things in the future,” she said. “The Bible says in Jeremiah 29-11: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'”
The church is at 301 N. Elva Ave.
It has grown fast since its beginning in 2004, when services were first held on a lanai on Tree Swallow Court. Some 16 people turned out. Those planning the church first met on Michigan Avenue and at other places.
On Friday at 6 p.m., there will be a dedication service with a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of office doors.
An open house and health fair is set for Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. with a gospel concert at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, April 24, there will be a thanksgiving service and ribbon cutting on chairs for members and friends beginning at 4 p.m.
In the few years of the church’s existence, Pastor Athensa said the membership has more than tripled.
The church’s members are active and now there is also a youth ministry with five people administering to the youth. They include Nadir Hinds, Arlene Green, Judith Burke and Rohan Green.
“Our young people have Bible study, a service and other activities which often means watching a movie,” she said.
The church meets on other days of the week and has services always on Wednesday night.
“We are happy to let everyone know that the church is attended by both white and black members and all should feel welcome here,” Athensa said.
Also on hand will be the church’s local bishop, Horatio Cameron of Lehigh. He helps to handle the sermons at different times. She noted that the worship area is large with plenty of seating and the church is planning to build a baptismal pool, too.
During each service, attendees are invited to come forward to receive the Lord and his teachings.
Another person who is very interested in boosting the church’s image in the eyes of Lehigh residents is Janice Boucher, who is affectionately known as “JB.”
The public relations director, she enjoys letting people know that the church is a loving place to worship and interacting with the community is very important.
“We have a 26-member choir every Sunday. There is a dance ministry with our young people that is liturgical with members from age 8 to their early 20s and also a male and female Praise Dance that performs for different churches in the community,” she said.
She noted the church met at a local elementary school before moving into its present venue but rent went from $700 a Sunday to $900 and “that just became too expensive.”
She said the church has also met at a venue through the The Lehigh Corporation. The church was not charged any rental fees and the six months they were promised turned into three years.
“It was a blessing that they would not charge us rent,” she said.
But right now the congregation is gearing up for the special dedication ceremonies and they want folks to remember the weekend.
Pastor Whittle and the Dedication Committee ask that residents mark their calendar
“Above all, we ask that you pray with us as we continue seeking the Lord’s leading and anointing on all our plans for this historic occasion in the Lord’s work. Please show your support by placing an advertisement in our Dedication Journal,” Pastor Whittle said.
For more information, call 239-994-0567 or 239-491-3194.
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