News and Views Around the Region
Pastor Philip Morris (Crisfield Church of God) reports that the church has recently adopted a new administrative structure in its seventy-seventh year.  The Church Council plan, adopted in the 1940’s, was expanded and renamed the Board of Ministries by a 92% vote of the congregation.  Elders and Deacons comprise the Board of Ministries; each Elder and Deacon have a specific portfolio and ministry team.  They must meet separately once a quarter to review ministry reports and requests, as well as financial and spiritual edification, accountability and vision casting.

Pastor Philip Morris (Crisfield Church of God) also reports:  Dr. Raymond Crowley was guests speaker for the second annual “Senior Recognition Day”.  The event started with lots of laughs as childhood photos were projected on the screen, and seniors competed to see who could guess the names in each photo.  An auction followed with gifts donated by local businesses.  Each senior went home with a valuable prize.  Pastor Morris presented homemade rose plants to all recent widows, and gave words of appreciation for the  many ministries in which seniors serve the Lord and the church.  The day concluded with special music and a meal.

Pastor Bob Dodson (East Baltimore Church of God) was recently featured in The Baltimore Sun, with an article regarding their recent participation in “National Hunger Awareness Day”.  The church, along with Maryland Food Bank and the US Dept of Agriculture sponsored a “Produce Drop” targeting the neighborhoods Latin immigrants.   This distribution was accompanied with a lecture on nutrition.  Based on the success of this giveaway, Food Bank officials are hoping to make East Baltimore a permanent location for future Produce Drops.

In Christian Sympathy and Prayer
Jason Miner (Heritage Community Church), in the death of his grandfather, Paul Francz, on Sunday July 8.
Sheila Baker (Brooklyn Church of God), in the death of her mother, Leila Payne, on Friday, June 15.

Remember in Prayer
William (Woody) Ellis, Jr., 10 year old son of Pastor Will & Beverly Ellis (Gaithersburg Church of God) has been in the hospital and diagnosed with a form of lyme meningitis.   He is currently at home with a nurse visiting every day.

Jackie Fletcher (Loch Lynn Church of God) is in good spirits but desires our continued prayers.  The doctor has said that there is nothing else that he can do for her heart.

Ron Soulsman (Berlin-Lighthouse COG)  needs continued prayer for his complete recovery (cancer).

Chaplain (MAJ) Ray Williams (Brooklyn Church of God) is stationed at Ft. Dix, NJ training and awaiting deployment for a full year, serving in combat areas.

Continue to remember Jim Davis, father of Betty Boggs (Laurel Living Hope), he suffered a heart attack, had a stint put in and is recovering in Ohio.

Rev. Granvil Shawyer (Retired) who suffered from a mini-stroke, is at  home now but continues to have some difficulties.

Rev. Lamar McDaniel (Evangel Cathedral) suffered a heart attack on his way home from Camp Meeting.  He had surgery June 30 and seems to be doing quite well at this point.  He ministered this past Sunday.  God is so good!!

Betty Rice (College Park) for continued healing and strength.

Sharon Boggess (Restoration Temple) has been in the hospital suffering with a blood clot in her lungs and her husband Roger, who is undergoing chemotherapy.

W.E. Tull (Retired) is still feeling very weak and is suffering with severe pain in his head.  He is strong in spirit but very weak in body.

Sharon McCready (Middletown)  at home recuperating from heart surgery.

Ruth Stant (widow) continues to have  problems with her heart.

Mae Timmons (widow) recovering well from surgery.

Congratulations to
Billy and Sarah Humphrey (Brooklyn Church of God) on the birth of the newest addition to their family, a daughter, adorable Lela Rachel, born on June 6th and weighed 7 lbs and 9 oz and was 19 ¾” long.  Mom and Dad are doing fine as well as big brothers Seth (3) and Luke (2) who are crazy about their baby sister.

Mike & Rachel Lowery, son of Steve & Jan Lowery (National Church of God) on the birth of their daughter, Allister Jane, born June 20, 2007, weighing 7 lbs 1 oz and was 19 ¼”  in. long.  They live in Alexandria, VA., close enough to “Grandpa & Grandma” for spoiling.