July Newsletter 2024
We're delighted to announce the return of the Tower Newsletter after a brief hiatus. This July issue is packed with updates and accomplishments from the past six months that we can't wait to share with you!
Moving forward, you can expect a wealth of content including community resources, exciting updates from Tower of Deliverance church, upcoming events, and much more. Whether you've been eagerly awaiting our return or are discovering us for the first time, we're thrilled to have you with us.
Thank you for your patience and continued support. Let's dive into this issue together and celebrate the milestones and growth of our vibrant congregation!
April News:
Tower of Deliverance hosted an incredibly lively Resurrection weekend cookout on March 30th, featuring mouthwatering food, entertaining games, and heartwarming fellowship. It was a joyous and exhilarating celebration, bringing our community closer together as we commemorated the glorious resurrection of our Lord. Thanks a million to everyone who joined us for this truly unforgettable and thrilling event!
Celebrating The Tower of Deliverance April Birthdays
Happy birthday to all who celebrated in April! May God's abundant blessings continue to shower upon you as you journey through this year. Your faith and joy inspire us all and bring warmth to our church family. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you and the love you bring into our lives. Here's to a year filled with overflowing blessings, unwavering grace, and endless joy.
TOD Birthdays
Mother Relf - April 5th
2. D’Yonn James - James April 7th
Community Yard Sale
The Women's Department at TOD recently organized a Community Vendor Fair on April 14th. The event featured the sale of new as well as gently used clothes to support the department's initiatives. Gratitude is extended to Sister Brejanae, Sister Stephanie, Sister Marilyn, and Evangelist McCray for their valuable contributions to the success of the event. Additionally, we express our thanks to AMOS Metropolitan CME Church for graciously hosting the event.
May News:
Congratulations to all of our TOD graduates! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are so proud of your accomplishments. Wishing you all the best as you move forward in your careers. Keep up the great work!
Please help us celebrate:
Brother Ethan Townsel - Forehand - Promoting from Kindergarten
Brother JaKai Baker - Promoting from Kindergarten
Brother Jacob Reed - Promoting from 8th Grade
Brother Kingston Hughes - Promoting from 8th Grade
Brother Jayden Allen - Graduating High School
Evangelist Crashondia McCray - Certification of Completion - Small Business Startup
Sister LaShaunna Kellybrew - Certification of Completion - Small Business Startup
Pastor Preaches Official Day, Shiloh District 55th Annual District Meeting
Speaking at official meetings is always an honor, but being invited to preach on a special occasion like the 55th Annual Shiloh District Meeting is a profound privilege. This sacred moment carries great significance, as our pastor was entrusted with delivering the word of God to our congregation.
Drawing from Psalm 46:11-12, our pastor delivered a powerful message centered on the theme 'Stand Still, We Are Covered.' The sermon resonated deeply as it explored the spiritual call to trust in God's protection and sovereignty during challenging times. Psalm 46 reassures us with the words, 'The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress' (v. 11). This reminder encourages us to find strength and peace in God's presence, knowing that His covering shields us from adversity.
Throughout the service, our pastor illuminated the relevance of these verses in our lives today. In a world filled with uncertainties, the call to 'stand still' echoes as a call to pause, reflect, and find refuge in God's unwavering love and protection. The congregation was reminded that even in moments of turmoil, God's steadfast presence offers us assurance and hope.
Furthermore, the message emphasized the importance of faith amidst challenges, urging us to trust in God's promises and provision. As our pastor expounded upon the theme 'We Are Covered,' it served as a reminder of God's encompassing grace and mercy that surrounds us in every season of life.
Pre Mother’s Day Luncheon and Mother’s Day
Special Thanks for the Mother’s Day “Hatitude” Service
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of our Mother’s Day “Hatitude” Service:
Men’s Department: Thank you for the amazing food provided.
Donors: Your generous donations made our goodie bags a delight.
Apostle Anita Scott: For bringing a prophetic voice to our service as the speaker of the day.
Vendors: We appreciate your participation and support.
Women’s Department Team: For the flawless execution of the Mother’s Day luncheon planning.
Tower of Deliverance Women's Department: For your fervent prayer, time, talent, and treasure.
Women's Department President, Evangelist Crashondia McCray: For your visionary leadership.
Apostle Anita Scott was the main speaker of the day. In her message, "God Designed Me According to His Plan," she emphasized that every individual is created with a divine purpose and specific design by God. She encourages listeners to embrace their unique gifts and to live boldly in alignment with God's plan. The sermon highlighted the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting His plan, even when it involves challenges and changes. By understanding and accepting God's design for our lives, we can fulfill our potential and live meaningfully as "breakthrough believers"” She uses Esther 4:14 to highlight that each person has a divinely ordained purpose. Emphasizing "God designed me according to His plan," she asserts that women, especially, are meant to be impactful and to understand God's ways. The sermon stresses that inaction is costlier than making mistakes because God can work with mistakes but not with inactivity. Scott encourages listeners to rise up, recognize their importance in others' lives, and fulfill their unique, God-given purposes. Submitting to God's will is crucial to avoiding inaction and making a meaningful impact.
In reflecting on our Mother's Day service, we are moved by the heartfelt message titled "A Mother's Love" resonated deeply with everyone present, touching hearts and enriching our spirits. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our First Lady of the District, Lady Mira Strong for their willingness to preach and encourage our hearts.
Thank you once again to all who attended and contributed to making our Mother's Day service a beautiful celebration of love and gratitude.
June News:
In June, TODC has been blessed with the keys to a new building! With a new building comes new opportunities to grow and develop the members of the church. We are genuinely grateful to Pastor and Elect Lady McNeal for being so gracious and allowing the Tower to utilize its facilities. Pastor and First Lady Craig of I Am Church has opened the doors of their church and allows TODC to utilize the building multiple days a week to allow Pastor McCray to continue expanding his vision for the church.
Church 2-year Anniversary
The two year pastoral anniversary, preached by pastor Jack Spencer Jr, pastor McCray’s spiritual father was nothing short of amazing! With a packed house Pastor received appreciation from pastors from around the state, members with the congregation and those from the surrounding churches that have been blessed by his ministry and Tower of Deliverance.
Pastor’s Under 40 Award: Church of God in Christ AIM 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Pastor Ronald McCray has been selected for the Church of God in Christ 2024 Achievers Award "Top 40 under 40"! The Selection Committee received nominations from nearly every state and around the globe, making Pastor McCray's achievement even more remarkable. This award honors individuals who are making significant impacts beyond the church's walls in diverse fields such as politics, education, medicine, law, and sports, while still serving faithfully in their local ministries. Pastor McCray's dedication and outstanding contributions exemplify the very essence of this prestigious award. Congratulations, Pastor McCray, on this well-deserved recognition!
Along with being awarded the 40 under 40 award, Pastor McCray was also afforded the opportunity to pray for the Fresh Oil Encounter at the AIM Convention 2024 in St. Louis Missouri. It is a great honor to for our pastor to be recognized by the national church. Big things are on the horizon for our man of God in the future!
Women's Department Shines on Father's Day 2024
The Women's Department truly made this Father's Day special for the men of Tower of Deliverance. With heartfelt dedication, they assembled goodie bags filled with handcrafted key chains, pens, and men's hygiene products, thanks to generous donations from many. Additionally, monetary gifts ensured each man received a gift card for lunch. Each young man also received a handcrafted key chain. This collective effort beautifully showcased the spirit of appreciation and love, making the celebration memorable for all the fathers in our congregation.
Launch of in-person Bible Study
Launch has been going well! July 30th will be the last Tuesday for virtual Life in the Word Bible Study session. All Life in the Word Bible Study sessions will be held in person. Over the last couple of months, we have been in a series called “Help, I need deliverance” where pastor has been going over the reasons for deliverance, things that would keep you from being delivered, and how to overcome those things to get free. Deliverance is one of the main things that holding us back from reaching what God has for us.
Pastoral Address and Anointing Ceremony
During the installation and anointing ceremony, Pastor prayed and appointed many members of the congregation to leadership over auxiliares of the church. The anointing of the service was so powerful that the recipients were unable to contain themselves when receiving their appointments.
Also during this night, two our members accepted their calls to ministry. Each one publicly declared their conviction to preach the gospel and thier mission as inspired by the Holy Ghost. They are now in ministry training and their titles are now, Aspiring Missionary Queen Esther Lacey and Aspiring Missionary Naomi Toppin. We cannot wait to see all that God has in store for them as they continue to grow and develop in the gosepel.
Since this night, each member has been challenged to reach new heights and depths in God and in leadership.
