Category: Religion

By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to HCN

On Saturday, March 23, the North Texas Conference Lay Organization of the AME Church held its 2013 Clergy and Lay Gala at the Malakoff Community/Senior Center.

The gala was an afternoon of relaxing, dining, music, and dancing. Everyone was dressed in their semi-formal attire and things were clicking.

Hosting the event for the evening was husband and wife team Marlin Roy and Jackie Ross-Roy. Greetings from the City of Malakoff and special acknowledgements was given by Delanda S. Johnson.

The president of the North Texas Conference Lay Organization Bro. Frank Robinson extended a warm thank you to everyone and introduced the Executive Board Officers of the NTCLO. The NTCLO is a combination of Greater Dallas District, under the leadership of Presiding Elder James W. Ford and Tyler District under the leadership of Presiding Elder Darrell G. Caldwell, Sr.

President Robinson presented a special certificate to entertainer Corlis Calvin, who performed later that evening. “It is a long time coming, but it’s finally here and we are here to have a good time; to dine on great food, and dance,” said Robinson.

Calvin is a native from Ft. Worth, Texas and is a graduate from Control Data Institute Technical School in Dallas. She also attended Eastfield College in Mesquite and is currently the Customer Communication Manager for Northland Communications in Mexia. She is a member of Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Austin and when not at her day job, she can be found singing at various venues around Austin and around Texas; plus; performing in other states.

Presiding Elder Darrell Caldwell, Sr., who has served the Tyler District for three years and that he has enjoyed ever minute of it. Caldwell stated the Clergy and Lay Gala was a day for everyone to come together in fellowship; to have fun and indulge in good food. It is a day that celebrate the goodness of God, but also show that you still can have a good time and still love the Lord.

Caldwell said, “The future of the Tyler District is to focus on the mission of Christ, but there is also much work to be done. The Tyler District is working on different programs to expand the needs of the people; to lead them to Christ. We focus on evangelism, church growth, winning souls to Christ, etc., however, we’re looking forward to more training sessions at our district meeting along with having fun like we are here today.”

Presiding Elder James W. Ford has also served the Dallas District for three years. Ford explained that the Clergy and Lay Gala was a way for pastors and lay persons to come together and get to know each other. “This event was in a non-church atmosphere; to just have a good time; to enjoy the smooth golden voice of Ms. Corlis Calvin with gospel, R&B, jazz, and much more. With this type of setting, I see Pastors and Lay persons coming together in unity,” said Ford.

“The Dallas District future plans are more, however, the time frame will be cutting it close because within two years I’m planning to retire. We are looking at developing young churches in the rural areas with the larger churches adopting them; help the smaller church meet their obligation for the year. As far as today’s event, I am enjoying myself. I am as happy as a hyena; happy with a peacock tail spread out,” said Ford.

By Brenda Garrard, Special to HCN

What better way to rejoice and praise God in this Easter season than to attend the 12th annual Women’s Conference at First Baptist Church of Cross Roads on Saturday, April 6? This year’s theme, “God Loves You: He Always Has — He Always Will,” centers around Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life…neither anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There will be praise and worship music, testimonies, a keynote speaker, drama, fun, food and prizes!

A grand day of fellowship and praising God is planned. Breakfast will be served in the fellowship hall from 7:15-8:15. The conference will begin promptly at 8:30 kicking off with music by in-house talent and the Lampiers, the praise and worship team for the conference.

Local singer/songwriter Leanna Gowan will also perform, and Stephanie Gurley of Mabank, author of “Refreshed in His Spirit,” will be the keynote speaker. These two talented ladies will be working together for the first time to bring glory to the Lord in word and song. Tameka Chancellor of Tyler, Virginia Speed of Kerens and Jean Terrell of Eustace will be giving their testimonies of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jenae Oliver of Cross Roads will be performing a short drama.

Each lady who attends will receive a gift bag. Door prizes will be given out all day. You must be present to win. Ladies, you will even get a chance to shop, as there will be four rooms full of a variety of wonderful merchandise. As always, a delicious hot lunch will be prepared by Pastor Frank Upchurch and served by the men and youth of the church. It’s one meal you do not want to miss. The conference ends around 3 p.m. with a big surprise give-away and praising the Lord in words and songs.

The cost of the conference is $15. Registration begins at the door at 7 a.m. You may register and pay ahead by mailing your $15 check made out to “FBC Ladies’ Fund” with your name, address and phone number to Linda Upchurch, 11843 CR 1200, Malakoff, Texas 75148. For more information, call one of these ladies: June Farmer, 903-489-1633; Anita Sifford, 903-677-1819; or Margaret Pryor, 903-681-1755.

First Baptist Church of Cross Roads is located approximately 12 miles south of Athens on state highway 59 near the Cross Roads Schools. All ladies are encouraged to join in worship and praise and a wonderful day of Christian fellowship.