Fall Edition2015

Pastor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFCFrom the Heart of the First Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Never Ending Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Help Her Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2College Hill Kidz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Fluoride and Sealants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Youth Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Confirming and Ordaining Our Faithful Men . . . . . . . . . .5At Cogic Preschool, We Give Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Harmony In The Streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Community Revival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Lord, Let Your Will Be Done In My Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .718th Annual Pastoral Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Retired Military Man Receives Prestigious Award . . . IBC

FALL EDITION 2015

Pastor’s CornerBy Supt. Charles Davis

EVERYBODY CAN CONTRIBUTE SOMETHING

In conversation with many people I come in contact with, while witnessing, I am surprised

at how many of them have no life direction . Are you ever discontented, despondent, or

miserable? It may be that you have refused to accept God’s plan for your life and persisted

in following one of your own . God has a plan for every one’s life . Because of this fact, no

one can be supremely, or completely happy until he has found God’s plan for his life . Let

me admonish you that God has a plan personally for your life .

You will face untold pressure as you invest your life in the service of the Lord . You will need inside defensive techniques to

protect you from outside life pressures . You should learn how to skillfully use God’s word, rest in the peace of God, and let the

love of Christ flow through you . As a follower of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ you have but one great aim: “the advancement

of God’s kingdom .” God’s work is of paramount importance . Everything else must be secondary .

How can you know God’s plan for your life? That, I won’t attempt to answer . However, I will say that as you work diligently

for kingdom up building and be constant in prayer, God will direct your life and understanding .

Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He shall direct your paths .

I Peter 4:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God .

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From the Heart of the First LadyBy Mother Deloris Davis

WAIT I SAY ON THE LORD

Waiting – Remaining in our present circumstance for further instructions .

We live in a society where, we don’t want to wait for anything . Look at our lives; we have the microwave - it used to take a baked potato an hour, now it only takes a few minutes . We have instant this and instant that . We are a people who don’t want to wait, because it seems we are not accomplishing anything .

Waiting on God is not passive . It is an activity; it is a quiet, active stillness . Waiting is a directed, purposeful expectancy . It is a definite directing of our attention toward God, waiting for His intervention in our circumstances so we can move into a new dimension .

God always has specific reasons for telling us to wait . Our responsibility is to trust Him and that is perhaps not easy because we want some change now, so we begin to help the Lord out, as if He needs our help . We would be better served to wait on the Lord .

Sometimes we feel we must act right now because the situation may get worse . You can be sure, if your actions are not in line with God, they probably will get worse, and you will delay your move into a new dimension .

Why must we wait on God? 1 . Until we have clear directions from God . We live in a now

generation . Instant gratification . But remember we are a peculiar people, we don’t act like the world, because we want to move into a new dimension .

2 . It is wise to wait to be in step with God’s timing . When we move ahead of His timing, we have no sense of peace . We are constantly trying to make things work, or figure things out . Delay for us is perfect timing for God . When we get the answer from God, all things will fall into place . God will never give us a decision, or thing to do, and not have things already worked out for us .

3 . God uses the waiting period to prepare us for the answer . Sometimes as parents we don’t give our children what they ask for because we know they are not prepared to handle that thing just yet . Why do we think we know more than our Heavenly Father knows about His children?

4 . Waiting strengthens our faith . When we finally realize God is having us to wait because He loves us, and is working for our good, it increases our faith in God . When we realize God is more interested in character than in our comfort, waiting is a lot more palatable .

Isaiah 30:18But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagle, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Actively – wait where we are doing what we are doing until God intervenes, or tell us to do something different . Not only do we wait actively, but

Patiently - Psalms 37:7 says “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him .” We must be willing to endure until He works . I know that is easier said than done, but waiting patiently will be easier when we’re resting in Him . We wait actively, patiently, but also

Silently – Psalm 62:1 says My soul waiteth in silence for God .

Expectantly –We are looking expecting . We sharpen our listening skills in every scripture in every message . We live in anticipation of what God is going to do for us . And finally,

Courageously – We must stand on His promises; We claim the promises from His word that He loves us and will do what’s best for us . Just because He doesn’t work as quickly as we think, it is not proof of indifference to our needs . We may have to repeat Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose

When we fail to wait on God, Disobedience We delay our blessings We may have to wait longer Confusion in our lives

We must realize that some of our greatest lessons are waiting

Talk about waiting for loan

But when we wait

•We discover God’s will and purpose for our lives Lam . 3-25, The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks Him

He loves us,

•We win battles . The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His loving kindness Psalm 147:11 most of the time we are defeated because we do not wait on the Lord

•We receive answers to our prayers I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my prayers Psalm 40:1

We are stronger for having waited on the Lord

And finally Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He giveth power to the faint; and lo to them that have no might he increaseth strength .

He gives vigor to the weary and new strength to the exhausted

Vigor - great physical or mental strength and energy

30 even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint

32 Bald Eagles

Wings span 8ft

Can fly 65 miles per hour on a level plain

Fly up to 150 to 200 miles per hour in a dive

Can fly altitudes of 10,000

Can soar aloft for hours using natural winds and currents

At level, I learned from Sis Williams will take us to an anticipated space, but a new Dimension takes us to places even we can’t see; it is to a place where God wants us to be

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Revelation 4:11 says You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created .

Playing games, checking messages, updating Facebook on phones in church during worship service, and interacting with others who do are distracting from the quality of our worship .

The modern word worship comes from the old English word “weorthscipe, or worthship” meaning to ascribe worth to someone or something .

So when we worship God, we are reciting the reasons He is worthy to receive our praise . In our worship service, we give praise to the Lord for waking us up at the dawn of the morning . We are acknowledging that He (God) is worthy and we ascribe worth to Him who is our creator .

The psalmist David wrote, “I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised” Psalm 18:3 . Just before those words, David listed the reasons God is worthy . God is his rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, stronghold, and the horn of his salvation . The Apostle John heard these words in heaven: “You (Jesus) are worthy for You were slain and have redeemed us” (Revelation 5:9) .

We should not take our worship for granted . In the words of a song, “Because of who You are, I give You glory; because of who You are, I give You praise . Lord, I worship You because of who You are .”

Worship is always attached to worth . Is God only worthy on Sunday morning from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM? Do the reasons God is worthy go away when we leave church or is God always worthy to be worshiped because He is always our rock, redeemer and so on? The answer is YES! God is always worthy . Then we are to ask ourselves, are we always worshiping Him? Are we honoring Him when we are playing games on phones in church, checking messages, sending texts, sharing pictures and updating social media events during worship service? The answer is NO!

If God never ceases to be God, our worship should also be never ending and the quality, reverence, and respect should always be at our highest because of who God is .****This message applies to every man, woman, boy, and girl .****

We know that Christ is coming again, and we know He is going to examine our lives for the purpose of giving rewards; therefore we ought to live every moment of life as if we are living in His presence; living now in order to hear Him say, “Well done .”

HELP HER SAFETY TIPSBy Sister Andrea Clayton

We all want to keep our loved ones safe and protected. Here are a few tips to help you to do just that.

*Sandals, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Ditch your fashion flair and wear comfortable clothes when walking alone. You can doll yourself up at your destination.

*Predictable patterns make the perpetrators plan a piece of cake. If you have a walking routine, you should be changing it up regularly.

*Don’t tie up you hands with armfuls of clutter. Pack your goods into bags with shoulder straps or even a backpack to reduce your risk.

Damsel In Defense is a company that specializes in personal protection items. There are emergency road kits, personal alarms, stun guns, and pepper sprays, just to name a few. To learn more about personal safety, and how to keep your family and loved ones safe, please visit www.mydamselpro.net/andreanealy

Andrea Nealy Clayton, Realtor www.andrea.exitextremerealty.com 813-833-1112

COLLEGE HILL KIDZBy Caridad Arenas-Johnson

Children are a gift from God. They are His reward. Psalm 127:3

If you’re a mother, you know how precious your children are to you. They are bone of your bone, and flesh of your flesh. You would not hesitate to protect them with your life. And well, you should because that is your job. Just as God gave His only son to save us, we, too, must do everything to save our children. In this third article, I am spotlighting three of our Kidz that attend Sunday School and Church on a regular basis.

Kente and Jonaisha are the proud children of Kente and Victoria Fabian. Kente was born September 20, 2004. He is in the 5th grade and attends Nelson Elementary School. His favorite school subjects are math and physical education. He also enjoys music, football, and dancing. At College Hill, he is a member of the Sunday School, Choir # 4, and the Bible Bees. His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Jonaisha was born June 13, 2006. She is in the 4th grade and also attends Nelson Elementary School. Her favorite subjects are math and reading. She enjoys dancing, cheering, and singing. At College Hill, she is a member of the Sunday School, Choir #4, the Bible Bees, and the CH Junior Praise Dancers. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46: 1-“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Josiah Mitchell is the proud son of Bernadette Johnson. He was born November 10, 2005. He is in the 4th grade and attends Lewis Elementary School. His favorite subjects are math and art. He also enjoys reading. At College Hill, he is a member of Choir #4. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23:1- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Our Kidz in the spotlight are the grandchildren of proud grandparents, Brother Occlyde and Missionary Joann Broome.

NEVER ENDING

WORSHIPBy Marcia Hall

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Church and Sunday School News

YOUTH DAYBy Elder Eddie Q. Mathis

The 5th Sunday in August was Youth Day. This Youth Day was a real blast for College Hill. The theme was “Beautiful in every Shade.” The youth participation was tremendous and they showed their strength in their speaking abilities and performances.

Our College Hill Praise Dancers, beginning from the age of 4 to 11, brought it on with a thunderous Praise dance. Our youth speakers were phenomenal. There were so many who participated which make it impossible to name them all in this space. Pictured are some of the participants.

FLUORIDE AND SEALANTSWritten by: Amanda Neskovski

Dr. Angella Tomlinson, DDSDr. Gail McDonald-Chang, DDS

Two Effective and Inexpensive Ways to Help Prevent Cavities, People often wonder what can be done to avoid getting cavities. Apart from proper brushing and flossing, there are other additional ways to prevent cavities. These procedures are significantly inexpensive as opposed to getting fillings and more importantly there is no pain involved. Fluoride treatments and the application of Sealants are two simple ways to promote optimum oral health. Just like our skin can be damaged from sun exposure without suntan lotion, our teeth get attacked daily by bacteria and sugars from the food and drinks we expose them to therefore causing our teeth to lose minerals that help protect them.

Fluoride is a mineral that is applied to the teeth as a protective barrier to help restore minerals and strengthen the teeth. Fluoride can be found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. However, the amount of fluoride is minimal as opposed to the amount delivered in the dental office. Fluoride is beneficial to both children and adults. It used to be thought that only children benefited from fluoride because it strengthens their teeth as they grow. But experts are finding that adults can also benefit. There are different ways fluoride treatments can be administered.

Sealants are another preventative measure to help prevent cavities. Our teeth are not 100% smooth, especially in the grooves or chewing surfaces. Those deep crevices are often times missed because a toothbrush’s bristles cannot get into these tiny spaces where bacteria love to hide and feed. A sealant is a thin coating that is applied to these grooves or chewing surfaces to prevent bacteria from getting into those hard to clean areas. Sealants are a short, non painful and easy procedure to apply. They are not very noticeable because they blend in with the natural tooth color and they can last 5-10 years depending on their care and maintenance. Since they are a preventative measure, they should be checked regularly at your normal dental checkup to make sure they are fully functional and whether or not they need to be re-applied.

If preventing cavities in your teeth is important to you, just ask your dentist or dental hygienist for more information on these two very reliable and effective measures that can help fight against cavities in addition to your proper homecare.

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AWARDS The awards were plentiful, all the way from the babies, the teens, to the adults . Congratulations College Hill on your achievements!

Church and Sunday School News (cont.)

By Elder Eddie Q. Mathis

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Confirming and Ordaining our Faithful Men

Church and Sunday School News (cont.)By Elder Eddie Q. Mathis

New Members The College Hill Love Family welcomes our newest members . They are Sister Sherry Watkins, Missionary Maria Wimberly, Elder David Liverman, Missionary Eileen Lindsey, Sister Ariana Mutcherson, Sister Sheantea Wright and Elder A .J . Watkins .

This year, our Pastor ordained one Deacon-Brother Theodore Milton and confirmed two others . These are some of our faithful and dutiful men . They are (seated) Deacon Theodore Milton, Deacon Earlie Williams, III, and Deacon Charlie Flucker . Also pictured are Pastor Davis and Sister Linda Milton .

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Pastors on Patrol & the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. Presented

Harmony In The Streets By Pauline Williams

During the week of June 29-July 2, our church was chosen as one of the sites for the above fun, free action -packed five day camp . The other sites were Beulah Baptist Institutional Church and Belmont Heights Estates . The week activity was held from 9:00 a .m .-3:00 p .m . daily; the ages for participants were 6-12 . Many students from the surrounding communities came and there were some from our church family . The activities for the children were very well planned and the youth employees were ready and organized and presented each activity to the group with excitement and knowledge . Daily activities for the children were Archery, Water Activities, Group Building, Team Sports, Arts & Crafts . Environmental Education, Games and there were visits from Law Enforcement with fun demonstration of different things a law enforcer uses in his job and reasons why . The staff expressed to the group the importance of good leadership . The children were divided into groups as they participated in each activity . The young people who worked with the children were patient, kind and caring . It was a joy to observe how well they worked with each child . The adults over the Program visited the site each day to make sure all was well and rules were being followed .

Breakfast was available along with lunch and a snack each day . It was my pleasure to come each day and open the church and be a part of such a well organized camp for the children of our church family and surrounding communities . Others who came or stopped in were Deacons Clarence Gyden, Lonzo Williams Jr ., Brother Freddie Ware, Sisters Sharon Green, Angela Williams and Missionary Felicia Clark . On the last day of the camp there was a small graduation and each child that participated received a Certificate and T-Shirt . Some of the parents came out to observe the graduation .

At COGIC Preschool, We Give Thanks! By Toni Boyd

Every year, family and friends are invited to join their children for a special Thanksgiving meal . To kick-off our annual Preschool luncheon, all classes gathered on the stage to sing “Thank You for Thanksgiving Day”, recited our monthly Bible verse and then led everyone in saying grace . The children were so excited to sit with their families and friends for lunch!

This year’s menu consisted of chicken, meat loaf, mash potatoes, green beans, macaroni salad, rolls and a myriad of deserts . Some of the dishes were even graciously donated by our COGIC parents and everything was scrumptious! It was a beautiful sight, to see generations of families sitting together and enjoying each other’s company . Not all children were able to have a family member attend, but in the spirit of the day families of other children invited some of those to eat with them or they sat with their teachers and classmates . Much to our surprise, some with family present preferred to eat with their friends .

This annual luncheon is a simple meal, shared by families to show the importance of spending time with each other and to express thankfulness for all that we have been blessed with . We should all take time out of our busy schedules to reflect on what’s important and build memories with our families and friends that we can cherish for life .

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COMMUNITY REVIVALBy Chloe King

The Pastors On Patrol held their City-Wide Fall Revival here in October . Reverend Clarence Nathan was the messenger of the evening and delivered a timely message entitled “Reversing The Curse” using Deuteronomy 28:1-16 as the scripture basis .

Our Pastor, who serves as the Vice President of the Pastors On Patrol of Hillsborough County, welcomed those in attendance . Along with a combined choir of College Hill, there were several guest participants who

ministered through stirring gospel music .

Pastors On Patrol of Hillsborough County is an organization comprised of members of the clergy from various denominations representing churches throughout the city and county . Reverend W, J . Favorite, Pastor of Beulah Institutional Baptist Church is the President .

Reverend Nathan encouraged all to take an active role in exercising our faith to bring about a healing to our city . He shared statistics about some of the ills our community is faced with; one of which is homelessness . He told us that 1 out 5 victims of homelessness are children; he also spoke of acts of violence which unfortunately affects all segments of our population . Reverend Nathan encouraged all to pray and play an active role in making our community a better place for all citizens .

The service was a time of fellowship and sharing .

LORD, LET YOUR WILL BE DONE IN MY LIFEBy Missionary Carrie Williams

The Missionary Board’s 43rd Anniversary brought in a great deal of seekers, seekers of God’s hand to stir their sense of direction on September 11, 2015 . The Missionaries ascended the mountain of holiness to the melody of “This is the Church of God in Christ .” Mother Dorothy Flucker summonsed the waiting congregation to the mountain in prayer which had echoes skipping on the peaks for the Lord’s deliverance and His delight . Old Testament pronouncement of

the army’s charge (Joshua 1:7-8) was unrolled by Missionary Patricia Williamson . Mother Sadie Douglas admonished the saints to “open your ears and hear the word of the Lord” as she presented the New Testament call (Matthew 5:16-18) . Although trumpets were not visible, the Praise Team of Sister Karin Thompson, Sister Victoria Fabian, and Sister Kristina Harris sounded the cadence call in this order: “There is None Like You,” “Our God is Standing By,” and the “I Love Jesus” medley . The saints had no other mind but to take the dance pattern .

Mother Sheila Shaw-Lillie interspersed prophetic “confirmations” through each segment as she presided over the services . All who know Mother Shaw-Lillie will nod in agreement that her faithful walk with the Lord accentuates “confirmations” and her “signature” saying (When I T-H-I-N-K of the goodness of Jesus, I can T-H-A-N-K Him) .

Aspiring Missionary Angela Williams presented principles to discern God’s will as the Occasion . She furthered the belief that plans have been set for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and we must have a relationship with the Lord . Mother Clydeana Willis’s hospitable greeting came forth with miles of smiles as she proclaimed how good and pleasant it was for us to gather, and that, despite the week’s wonders, God is still good and worthy of HIGH praises .

Eyes traveled to the choir stand in admiration to behold College Hill’s Male Chorus with about 17 brothers adorned in debonair attire . Deacon William McCullough, Jr .’s usual placement with the guitar was different—he had the microphone and sang “Trouble In My Way” with such conviction . Oh yes, the bass and tenor sections carried the notes in joyful sounds . If that wasn’t enough, they followed Deacon Lonzo

Williams, Jr .’s lead in “It’s Me Oh Lord” and “Storm Out On the Ocean .” The Male Chorus’s suave voices are definitely ready to be captured on tape .

While hearts were rocking back and forth in glee, Sister Karen Fletcher and Sister TaTanisha Jorden presented a proposal for prosperity and pleasing the Lord with giving cheerfully . Accounting later showed that generosity abounded . The Jones Sisters then showed us the results of a family that prays (and sings) together . Their gorgeous matching outfits equaled their song renditions of “Oh Lord I Want You to Help Me” and “As Long As I Got Jesus .” We eagerly awaited their march/return to their seats which usually involves “backing the train up” in classy style .

Missionary Melissa Dunbar’s description of our Messenger warmed the saints’ hearts . She shared an event when she sought a space of grace with tonight’s Messenger—not as a First Lady and not as a Mother, but as a friend . The wisdom, consolation, and even loving correction she needed were given in magnitude without regard of clock time or energy . We then sat under an open window as Palmetto District Missionary Lavern Dunbar hallowed the name of the Lord and published His tidings . The prevailing raindrops poured into our soul’s soil for fertilizing the “surrender all” ground . Rapid growth and strong demonstrations of fruit-bearing will come forth! Church Mother Rosanna McCullough expressed her pleasure with the attendance and attention of all . First Lady Deloris Davis’s delight was in all that her heart felt and what her eyes beheld . Appreciative presentations and excited expressions of approval were given by Vice President Barbara Mathis and President JoAnn Broome, respectively . It was Pastor Charles Davis’s opinion that proof of the Lord’s overwhelming satisfaction with our intent was made manifest .

The dining room was awaiting our beholding its beauty and scrumptious delicacies to be consumed . Red and white were the outfit colors for the Missionaries and were the colors that made the dining room glow . The Missionaries encouraged the thought that, in wearing white, we are sending out signals to heaven, to be recipients of the thrust of powers encircling heaven—Lord, Let Your Will Be Done In My Life . The red accents are indicative of Christ’s blood covering and our love . Success was achieved!

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18TH ANNUAL PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AND APPRECIATION SERVICEBy Chloe King

The fourth Sunday on October is set aside each year to observe this service . Deacon Clarence Gyden, Sr . served as the Chairperson and Elder Norman Harris, Esquire was the guest speaker .

The Morning Worship service was initiated with a stirring Call To Worship by Elder Robert Sturgis followed by the procession of the Mass Choir .

Brother Tony and Sister Adrienne Watson escorted the Pastor and First Lady into the sanctuary and Elder Eddie Mathis invoked God’s presence .

Little Demeria Johnson welcomed all and Sister Jacquelyn White- Haygood gave the occasion . A Family Tribute was offered in song by Malcolm Avery Boyd (one of Pastor and First Lady’s grandsons) .

The Mass Choir favored us with exuberant songs of praise; Missionary Carrie Williams rendered the Sermonic Solo which followed the warm introduction of the speaker by Deacon Gyden .Elder Harris expounded and exhorted based on the theme chosen for this great service- “God’s Vessel Prepared For Service .”

Following the Invitation To Christ given by Elder B . Aaron Wilds presentations were made to Pastor and First Lady directed by Mother Rosanna McCullough, our Church Mother and Sister Rosa Jackson, Pastor’s Aide President .

After closing remarks by Deacon Gyden Pastor and First Lady Davis graced us with words of gratitude and the benediction was given along with the blessing of the food which was awaiting the congregation and guests at the Conference Center .Dinner was served by members of the Hospitality and Pastor’s Aide ministries .Each year we look forward to this special day and this year was no exception .May God continue to bless our Pastor and First Lady as they serve the College Hill family .

Giving will open windows and doors,So all of God’s gifts can be yours.

It helps a friend or brother in needAnd it also plants a spiritual seed.

God gives first each and every day,Showing us the righteous way.

And if we believe and follow His way,Always giving when we can

Then we are living God’s mighty plan.

GIVINGBy Frederick Jones

Members of the Hospitality and Pastor’s Aide Ministries Chairpersons

RETIRED MILITARY MAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDBy Caridad Arenas-Johnson

(taken from article in Florida Sentinel Bulletin)

Retired military veteran Deacon Theodore Milton, Jr ., received the distinguished award for outstanding service to the United States Army, military veterans and his country . He received the “U . S . Army Freedom Team Salute .”

Deacon Milton received a signed certificate, signed by George W . Casey, Jr ., General United States Army Chief of Staff and John M . McHugh, Secretary of the Army . The certificate reads, “For outstanding service to the Nation as a United States Army

Soldier . You are being recognized for your patriotism and continued support of the “Army family . Your legacy is today’s Army and the values soldiers exhibit as they stand in defense of our country and the world . Their efforts are a direct reflection of your service . The United States Army and a grateful nation thank you .”

Deacon Milton also received an Army lapel pin along with these

words: “This lapel pin symbolizes the partnership between our Army, its soldiers, their families and veterans-a partnership as old as the nation itself . As our partner, we hope that you will wear this pin with pride, as a statement of our shared commitment to support America’s soldiers . We thank you for the honor of your past service with our Army and for your continued support of our soldiers .”

Deacon Milton spent 21 years in the service . He served 3 years with the Army, doing 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam . He was discharged in 1968, but in 1972 he re-enlisted with the Navy .

Deacon Milton spends most of his time helping military veterans, their widows and surviving family as they work their way through military red tape . He has been an active member of the local VFW Post 1339 and served as the Post Commander . He is married to Sister Linda Milton . He is the father of 4 children and has 13 grandchildren .

At College Hill, Deacon Milton does a great deal of community work, serves on the #1 Usher Board and along with his wife sponsors Fun Day at the Milton’s .

SSgt . Saundra Milton nominated her father for this award . She is currently serving active duty in the U . S . Army-continuing the long tradition of service to her country as shown by her father .

Deacon Milton would also like to share the letter that was written to his daughter, SSgt . Saundra, by the Deputy Surgeon General .

College HillMoments Staff

Caridad Arenas-JohnsonAkila BoydRyan Boyd

LaQuinda BrewingtonSol Davis

Sharon GardnerClarence Gyden, Jr.

Marcia HallSheryl Harris

Chloe KingElder Eddie Q. Mathis

Cassandra Nealy

College Hill Church of God in Christ6414 N. 30th Street - Tampa, FL 33610

(813) 239-3161

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