This Week at COFA/May 6, 2024

This Week at COFA

Photo Memory 

Celebrating Bishop Sherman S. Watkins

Special Announcement

We hope that all men who attended the MetroHealth Men’s Health Fair will check their email to get their results. If you are a MetroHealth patient, you can find your results on My Chart.  It is also important to enroll at MetroHealth for ongoing Health Services. 

General Announcements

Higher Ground:  Join us today as we  travel to Columbus, Ohio for the Anniversary Celebration for our General Bishop, Dr. Sherman S. Watkins, at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The Midwest Jurisdictional Night service will occur at Higher Ground Church, located at 870 St. Clair Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201. The van will leave today at 1:00 p.m. as members of the Community of Faith Anointed Voices will sing with the Jurisdictional Choir.

Summer Camp: Enrollment for a free, eight-week summer camp for youth, age 6-17. The camp officially begins on Saturday, June 10th running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The camp includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Camp activities include arts and crafts, sports and games, educational enhancement, drama and spoken word, and field trips. Participants must sign a parent agreement, contact information, and special needs for each youth participant.

Men’s Fellowship Reentry Outing: The Men’s Fellowship will continue its outreach ministry to the Nancy McDonnell Correctional Center, 3540 Croton Road, Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m., continuing each third Monday.  The men share personal testimonies and provide biblical support and spiritual guidance. Men receive success planning services and linkages to social, educational, and employment services through Project HELP.  All members are invited to join the men at the center.

Finish Strong Youth Day/Health and Wellness Summit:  Join us on Saturday, May 11th from 10;00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for a school success workshop/fun day and a summit on healthy living/active living for women.  Youth will receive encouragement and tools to complete their No More in 24 Academic Goals. Parents and other adults will take part in discussions  with information on setting health and wellness goals, cultivating herbs and vegetables, and emphasizing the importance of exercising, walking, and staying fit.

Mother's Day/Women's Day: The Men's Fellowship of COFA invites you to join them on Sunday, May 12th to honor the mothers and women of the church and community.  This year, the men will pay special honor to the "seasoned" mothers of the church who are the foundation of the church, our families, and community.

Hat's Heels and Hallelujah:  Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready! Join First Lady Dr. Natoya Minor and Women of COFA for this annual event. Once again, it will include speakers, workshops, and lots of inspiration, motivation, and equipping. More to come on this important event.

Please focus on the following dates:

Start of Youth Summer Camp (Monday, June 10th)

Father's/Men's Day (Sunday, June 16th)

HGAA Holy Convocation (Tuesday, June 18th - 22nd)

Men's Fellowship Prayer Breakfast (Saturday, June 29th)

Church Picnic (Saturday, July 20th)

Sermon Notes

“Help for your Trauma”

Psalms 23: 5 “Ye do I want through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.”

This word of encouragement today is comprised of four simple points based on this familiar passage.

1. Ye do I want (experience)

2.  Valley (unhealthy environment)

3. Shadow of Death (Trauma)

4.  Fear no Evil (Courage)

5.  Courage (Help)

Three questions for us today:

1. Are you aware of your trauma (injury) and the pain that you carry?

2. Are you in an unhealthy environment?

3. Are you aware of the presence of God?

What steps do you take to manage stress, trauma, and pain?

Here are few suggestions:

1. Self-Reflect

2. Spend quiet time/meditate

3. Execise

4. Read spiritual materials

5. Talk to mentor or trusting person

6. Seek God/Strengthen your Faith

7. Seek counseling/professional help

Additional Sciptures: 

James 1:12 – Reward for Perseverance

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

2. Romans 5:3-4 – Character Through Suffering

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

3. Psalm 37:23-24 – Guided Steps

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

4. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Unbroken in Christ

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."