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COVID 19 has impacted the 2020 Easter celebration. This year our Easter celebrations will be very different! Most of us will not gather together for a community Easter egg hunt, a sunrise service, the traditional Easter worship celebration, or a family dinner. It will be just us—our immediate family. But it will still be Easter—the date that has been set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, as families and small groups of believers, let’s celebrate. Below is a suggested worship service just for your family or small group. Add your own unique ideas to tailor it to your family’s or small group members’ ages, interests, and gifts.
On Easter morning don’t greet one another with a “Good morning!” or “Did you sleep well?” Greet one another with the Easter Acclamation, “Christ is risen!” Encourage the family member to respond with, “He is risen indeed!”
If possible, provide each family member who can read with a copy. Assign family members to lead sections of the responsive reading; remind others of their responses.
We’ve provided a playlist of songs related to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sing along with your family. Give Him praise!
For the first time in our lifetime, church pews are empty for longer than the occasional snow-covered day. Is God giving His children a break from the weekly ritual? In fact, it’s just the opposite. During this Easter season and in the midst of our current COVID 19 crisis, He is sending us out from the comfort of our church buildings and into the world to serve. We have been deployed!
God has deployed us to fulfill His mission here on earth. The COVID 19 pandemic is an opportunity for us to serve others and to declare God’s kingdom. Communion is an opportunity for us to prepare our hearts for this deployment.
Ideas to encourage remembrance and celebration with family
Leadership Development and Discipleship serves Church of God of Prophecy ministry and laity. Our ministries encompass Accredited Ministry Development (higher education), Spirit & Life Seminary, the Center for Biblical Leadership (ministerial training), International Children’s Ministries, and Youth Ministries International.
Church of God of Prophecy International Offices
Leadership Development and Discipleship
PO Box 2910
Cleveland, TN 37320-2910
423-559-5100
ldd@cogop.org
Church of God of Prophecy International Offices
Leadership Development and Discipleship
P O Box 2910
Cleveland TN 37320-2910
423-559-5100
ldd@cogop.org
Director of Library Services / Accredited Ministry Development
Mrs. Brewer serves as Director of Library Services for the Spirit and Life Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee. In addition, she serves as Director of Library Services for the Chattanooga College: Medical, Dental, & Technical Careers. Her career spans over 30 years and includes the roles of faculty member, instructor, consultant, director of technical services library division, assistant director, director of library services at three colleges (located in Cleveland, TN; Charlotte, N.C.; & Chattanooga, TN), head of circulation department, Interlibrary loan librarian, reference librarian, original cataloger, resource room coordinator, branch manager of rural county public library, community development librarian and branch services librarian.
Mrs. Brewer received her Bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1985) with a major in Psychology and minor in Library; her Master’s degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville (1988) in Library Science; and her 6th Year Specialist degree from the Florida State University (2006) in Library and Information Studies.
She has held membership in numerous local, state and national organizations including Optimist Club; Kiwanis; Civitan; Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc.; the Dade County (Georgia) Chamber of Commerce, board of directors and ambassador; the Walker County (Georgia) Chamber of Commerce member and Leadership Institute graduate; American Library Association; Association of College and Research Libraries; Tennessee Library Association; Tenn-Share; Chattanooga Area Library Association; Georgia Library Association, Georgia OCLC/SOLINET Users Group, Public Library Association, Family Connections, Adult Literacy committees in Dade County (Georgia) and Walker County (Georgia). She served as volunteer librarian for the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park – CHCH Library from August 2011 to June 2018.
Mrs. Brewer has written several successful grants for the Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers, Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Cherokee Regional Library System in La Fayette, Georgia. The grants were awarded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund HEERF I, HEERF II, HEERF III – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, American Library Association/National Endowment for the Humanities Big Read; Joshua’s Law Grant (Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety); Mini-Grants to Support Summer Reading Club Programs; Lois Lenski Covey Foundation; Millennium Project for Public Libraries We the People Bookshelf (NEH), Awarded 2003 Walker County Alliance for Literacy / Certified Literate Community Program grant to purchase Accelerated Reader materials for three public libraries.
Mrs. Brewer attributes her success to her Christian faith, life-long learning, mentors, motivation, drive, and vision of a desired path. She recognizes that prayer and support from family and friends make anything possible.
Mrs. Brewer is married to Ray N. Brewer of Chattanooga, Tennessee and is primary caregiver to her mother Martha Cassidy.
Specialist in Library and Information Science, from Florida State University in 2006
M.S in Library Science, from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1988
B.S. in Psychology, from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1985
Business Office Manager / Accredited Ministries Development / Spirit & Life Seminary
Jacob currently serves as the Business Office Manager for Spirit & Life Seminary and the Department of Accredited Ministry Development.
Jacob graduated in 2018 from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, with a B.S. in Music Business. Jacob returned to Lee University in the fall of 2018 to attain his master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), graduating in 2020. He used this time to increase his musical versatility and excellence, studying classical/jazz/commercial/worship piano, commercial and jazz bass, vocal and instrumental accompaniment, and commercial arranging/recording/production. Before graduation, Jacob was elected as a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business in recognition of his high educational attainment.
In 2018, Jacob had the opportunity to complete an internship with the Michael W. Smith Management Group. Immediately following the completion of the position, he worked for LifeCare Centers of America as an Audio Engineering Assistant until December 2018. Jacob began working in the Communications Department at the COGOP International Offices in January 2019. He served as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Communications, Web Developer, and Project Manager between 2019-2023 before transitioning to SLS/AMD into his current role.
Jacob has had the opportunity to serve as a lead pianist for Peerless Road COGOP since 2012. Following his calling for music and worship, he accepted the Music and Media Director position for PRC in July 2022. Jacob is married to Julie Coleman, who coordinates worship for the Children’s Ministry at PRC. They consider it a blessing to work together as a team and serve in those capacities.
Project Manager / Leadership Development And Discipleship
At the age of 15 years old, Antonio Orona was called by God at a teen camp into ministry. Serving in multiple areas helped him realized that he had a passionate heart for people Antonio desire is to help others know who Jesus is and so that they can be committed to living a life with Him.
Antonio has a B.S degree from California State University of Los Angeles in Fire Protection Administration and a Master degree in Leadership and Community Development from California Baptist University. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN.
He has had the privilege to serve as the Youth Pastor at the COGOP Riverside Church in Riverside, CA from 2014 to 2019. He has helped served the youth ministry in the state of California from various areas such as teaching, preaching, and serving as a camp counselor at teen camps for 6 years. Currently he is pursuing his minister license with the Church of God of Prophecy.
He is married to his lovely wife Lilly Orona and together they have a one year old son named Isaiah Orona.
Currently Antonio is a project manager for the Leadership Development and Discipleship department, managing and organizing various projects in different platforms. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Tri-Community Fire Department in Ooltewah, TN.
Accredited Ministries Development / Spirit And Life Seminary
Albert Murza serves as the Registrar and Media Manager for Accredited Ministry Development.
He was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, and his father is Misha Murza, overseer of Russia COGOP. At 18, he moved to Germany to study at European Theological Seminary.
In 2016, he married Kristen Murza and moved to Cleveland, TN, serving as youth leaders at Peerless Road church and as youth pastors at Spring Place COGOP. Since March 2022, Albert and Kristen have been serving as youth pastors at Hickory Valley Community Church.
Albert Murza received his ministry license with the Church of God of Prophecy in 2019.
He is currently enrolled at Pentecostal Theological Seminary pursuing the Master of Divinity degree with the Biblical Studies concentration and will graduate in May of 2022.
Admissions And Marketing Manager / Accredited Ministries Development / Spirit And Life Seminary
Steven Hodge is the Admissions and Marketing Manager for Spirit & Life Seminary and the department of Accredited Ministry Development. Steven oversees the admissions process for all new applicants seeking higher education. Steven also heads the promotion and marketing initiatives for partnered schools, global cohorts, and various degree programs.
Steven grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and moved to Cleveland, TN, to begin working at the International Offices in 2021. Steven is bilingual and served as a lay minister at the Elizabeth Spanish Church of God of Prophecy. While serving in Elizabeth, Steven took on the role of youth pastor, event coordinator, and instructor for his region’s bible institute. Steven also served the Spanish Northeast Region as the assistant chief of operations for the Spanish Northeast Region Children’s Camp from 2012 to 2018.
Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University and is currently enrolled at Pentecostal Theological Seminary pursuing a Master of Theological Studies in Pentecostal Theology. Steven enjoys music and has played in orchestras and jazz bands. He states that his personal motto is “Always be learning – God has given me the ability to learn, and I plan on using it.”
In 2021, Steven was sent forth by Pastor Collazo and his local congregation at Peerless Road Church ‘Casa de Refugio’ and is currently pursuing licensure in the Church of God of Prophecy. In 2022, Steven married the intelligent, beautiful, and kind love of his life, Alejandra Guajardo.
Training Specialist / International Children’s Ministries
At the age of fourteen, Joy said, “Yes!” to God’s call to serve and minister to kids. Since then, she has actively served in churches, camps, and various ministry environments both locally and internationally. Joy is the Associate Pastor of Children at her local church, Spring Place Church. While at Spring Place, she has had the opportunity to remodel and build a children’s ministry that is a safe and sacred place for kids to attend. She believes with her whole heart that children are indeed a blessing from God and that they are mighty arrows being released into the world (Psalm 127).
In July of 2016, Joy completed her Master of Arts degree in Ministry Studies from Lee University. Currently, she also serves part-time at the International Offices as the Training Specialist for International Children’s Ministries. She is most passionate about helping children and adults see the value of theology in ministry to kids. Joy’s idea of fun includes traveling, reading, working out, and laughing with the people she loves.
Executive Administrative Assistant / Leadership Development And Discipleship
At 22, a year after Alejandra became a Christian, she felt God calling her to pursue theological studies. In response to this call, she transferred from Texas A&M International University to Lee University in Cleveland, TN, to follow God’s vision for her.
Alejandra earned a B. A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Lee University and an M. A in Theological Ethics from the same Institution. In 2019, she received the Zeno C. Tharp award, which is given annually to the Lee University senior who shows the greatest promise of making a significant contribution to the Church.
Alejandra has served as the translator and editor of several publications, including the quarterly newsletter El Camino produced by His Fullness Ministries and the Ministerial Development Department at Lee University. She worked at Lee University’s School of Religion as a teaching and research assistant for Christian ethics courses and at Lee University’s Squires library during her graduate education.
In the past, Alejandra has been involved in several ministries such as Bridge Ministries, Hunger Rescue, and Church at the Park in Laredo, Texas. Alejandra loves to participate in the local church. She functions as a mentor at NCCOG Collegiate Group and as a music minister at New Covenant Church of God. Alejandra is also a member of the Society of Pentecostal Studies, the Latin American Theological Fraternity (FTL), and Theta Alpha Kappa National Honors Society.
She has a passion for education, the practice of hospitality toward immigrant communities, and peace and reconciliation studies. Alejandra also served as a Church of God missionary in the Balkans after completing her undergraduate degree and has remained in partnership with that field since.
Alejandra has been married to Steven Hodge since January of 2022.
Project Coordinator / International Children’s Ministries
Leslie Green began ministering at her local church and summer youth camps before she was 12 years old. Since then, God has blessed her with opportunities to minister as a children’s ministry director and youth ministry coordinator as well as serving in various roles in camping ministry, conventions and ministry training in North America. She’s also travelled internationally on mission teams and as a trainer for children’s ministry conferences.
Leslie is thrilled to work alongside a few of the most passionate leaders in children’s ministry. She currently serves as children’s pastor at Keith Street Ministries in Cleveland, Tennessee. Her heart is full as she watches the children grow in their relationship with Christ and knowledge of His Word.
Registrar and Student Services Coordinator / Spirit and Life Seminary
Debbie served as an academic advisor, music instructor, and music department chairperson at Tomlinson College from 1987 to 1992. She then taught music in Bradley County Schools for 6 years before marrying her husband Dennis and moving to Huntsville, Alabama, where she served as an academic advisor at Calhoun Community College.
Debbie later moved to metro-Atlanta where she taught music and special education students in Gwinnett County Public Schools for nearly 20 years. She loves to play piano and has enjoyed working with several church choirs on her journey back to Cleveland, Tennessee. She is very excited to serve in a new role as registrar and student services coordinator at Spirit and Life Seminary.
AS in Music, Tomlinson College
BME (Bachelors in Music Education), Lee University
MS in Music, Radford University
Executive Director / Leadership Development And Discipleship Director / Center For Biblical Leadership
Kathryn H. Creasy served the Church of God of Prophecy for more than 26 years as International Children’s Ministry director. She brought to that assignment considerable children’s ministry experience at both the local church and regional level.
Her passion for developing leaders was birthed out of her call to serve children. In her first ministry role as regional children’s ministry director, Kathy saw the need for children’s ministers to be skilled in ministry and leadership, prompting her to organize her first children’s ministry conference at the age of 21. During her tenure as international children’s ministry director, Kathy developed effective ministry and leadership training resources and built strong mentoring relationships with leaders in more than 50 nations. Recognition by international leadership of Kathy’s passion, experience, and skill led to her appointment as Executive Director of Leadership Development and Discipleship.
She earned a Master of Science degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. She taught in public schools in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. She is a licensed minister with the Church of God of Prophecy.
Kathy and her husband Rick live in Cleveland, TN. Their older son Lee has two young daughters, Elodie and Amelia and resides in Denver, Colorado. Their younger son Clint and his wife Charis have two young children, Callum Decker and Florence. They reside in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Kathy’s joy is working with continental, national, and regional leadership to develop and implement strategies that will identify, equip, and release developing leaders.
