Florida Church Celebrates Reconciliation
A Lakeland, Florida Church of God celebrated Black History Month and demonstrated reconciliation with a number of church and community activities on February 6 and 7.
Bishop James Andrews, pastor the Upper Room Church of God, organized the weekend of events, which included a community distribution and honoring two long-time members of the church. Special guest for the weekend was Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill who was the keynote speaker on Sunday, February 7.
L-R: Florida-Cocoa Administrative Bishop Anthony Pelt; Upper Room Pastor James Andrews; Mother Mildred Ford; General Overseer Tim Hill (click photo to enlarge).
“What a joy to spend the first Sunday of February and enjoy a special celebration of Black History Month with Pastor James and Latroi Andrews,” Hill posted on social media. “On Saturday, the combined efforts of Upper Room Church of God, Operation Compassion, God’s Pit Crew, the International Youth and Discipleship Department and Southeastern University students, came together to bless the community, families and students with a special ‘Bags of Blessings’ giveaway.” The drive-thru distribution of food, clothing and school supplies took place until supplies lasted. Southeastern University is a Christ-centered school located in Lakeland. Operation Compassion and God’s Pit Crew are independent benevolent organizations with roots in the Church of God.
Administrative Bishop of the Florida-Cocoa Church of God, Anthony Pelt, coordinated an effort to bring the three Church of God Florida offices together for the event, including Cocoa, Southeastern Hispanic, and Florida-Tampa. Hill noted, “My heart was blessed immensely to see the three Florida Regional Offices represented on Saturday evening for a special fellowship of unity and dinner.”
Hill honored and recognized two women associated in long-time ministry service with the Florida-Cocoa region. Mother Mildred Wilson Ford was honored for her 95th birthday and as the former First Lady of congregations in Lakeland, Webster, and 5th Street West Palm, Florida, along with her late husband, Bishop Ernest Ford. The longevity and legacy of the Wilson family was also recognized as Ford’s sister, Mother Lois Pugh, was also recognized, along with their brother, Bishop George Wilson, who have all three dedicated their lives to ministry in the Church of God.
“Your legacy of soul-winning and discipleship will long be cherished,” Hill stated.
Administrative Bishop Pelt was grateful to General Overseer Hill for the effort he displayed to be part of the weekend of events.
“Pastor Andrew was so honored that Bishop Hill dedicated his weekend to be with us for this event,” Pelt stated. “Our general overseer is living out how to model reconciliation.”
“This was a wonderful weekend,” Hill said. “May it be the beginning of even greater opportunities of mutual ministry that changes lives.”
