The Rescue Church of God, Inc. held their 50th General Assembly and Homecoming celebration July 26-29.

The General Assembly attendees enjoyed a 4-day worship, fellowship and workshop sessions under the National Officials. The 50th General Assembly gave honor to the General Overseer and founder, Mother Blanche Bell-Weaver, who has contributed much to the City of Sanford and the community whose lives have been enhanced by this great woman of God.

Pastor Quintin Faison, Presiding Elder of the National General Assembly, presided over the opening session Thursday evening. The official and the choir led the processional at the beginning session singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

The theme, “Celebrating the Past and Rejoicing in Expectations.” Prayer was led by Elder Faison. Ministry in Music was led by National Secretary Deacon Richard Burke with the Rescue Shepherd Choir under his direction. Selections rendered were, “When We All Get to Heaven” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” Scripture, Psalm 27, was read by Rev. Dr. Cynthia Graham. Brother Melvin Philpot, a member of Rescue the host church, gave the welcome to the delegates and visitors. He reminded all that, “Everybody is somebody in Christ” and this was the celebration of Rescue’s roots and heritage.

Special greetings from the 2nd Vice President of the African American Ministerial Alliance of Seminole County were given by Pastor Valarie J. Huston of the Allen Chapel AME Church. A selection by the Rescue Choir, “This is What We Came to Do!” Praise Him. Presiding Elder Faison recognized the Ministers who have born churches from Mother Blanche Weaver’s founding. The Choir, New Life Church of God in Christ of Orlando rendered 2 selections. Elder Richard Jones of Orlando, presented the speaker of the hour, Bishop Derrick Hutchins, Pastor of New Life Church of God in Christ. He proclaimed the Word from the topic, “Lord Do It Again!” Question, what did He do the first! Acts 2:2, Levitcus 23, Deuteronomy 16:16-17.

Throughout the weekend, the delegates were exposed to the workshop topics entitled, “The Importance of Being a Good Follower” by Pastor Cedric Barnes, Word of Truth Receiving Ministry, Blythewood, SC anf “Strategies for Personal Economic Development,” Rev. Dr. Preston Adams, Joint heirs Christian Center, Sanford. Friday evening Worship Experience message by Overseer Karen Johnson, Christian Love Church, Bineland, N.J. Saturday, Youth Fun Day and a Workshop on the topic “Effective Leadership” by Pastor Arthur Graham of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, Orlando. Evangelistic Service, Saturday Evening, message by Bishop Samuel White, Faith Chapel Apostolic Center, Rochester, N.Y.

The Sunday services closed out the 4-day 50th General Assembly themed, “Celebrating the Past and Rejoicing in Expectations.” The Proclamation of God’s Word by Presiding Elder Quintin Faison, Pastor of Rescue Church of God, Inc., 1700 West Historical Goldsboro Boulevard. Thanks to the community for the success of the Assembly from Pastor and Presiding Elder Quintin and Frist Lady Toni Faison.

• The Rev. Steven Roberts, Youth Pastor of Sanford’s Central Baptist Church is proud of his young people who have volunteered to help repair various senior citizens’ homes in the Altamonte Springs community.

They are shown helping repair, build porches, fix handicap ramps and do many repairs that are need at the elderly’s homes. These repairs will make life much better for them.

Thanks go to these Central Baptist Church youth and members: Antonia Tomlin, Beta Jennize, Kiaria Rivera, Danille Gowan, Jacylyn Crutchfield, Joy Van Kburger, John Wright and David Fraizer. To contact Minister Roberts, call 407- 322-2914 or email steven@chcsanford.org. Address, 3101 West S.R. 46, Sanford.