Happy Birthday Bishop!

January—March 2018

Inside this issue:

Celebrating Black

History Month

2

Congratulations to

the winners of

Prom 2018

2

Pastor Michael

Hooks—Kids Grow

Here

3

Focus on the Grace

of God

3

Ministry Awards—

A night to remem-

ber

4

Guarding your

heart

5

Young Mothers

Ministry

5

“A church in the community for the community”

The Praise Report

What a Celebration it was! On Sunday, March 4, 2018 Cathedral of Praise celebrated our pastor, Bishop

Craig Ward Johnson's 54th birthday. We also celebrated 22 years as the pastor of Cathedral of Praise Inter-

national Ministries, and 41 years of ministry.

Our guest for the 8:00 am services none other than Bishop John Guns, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Missionary

Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He preached a powerful message on, "How Do You Like me Now!"

The scripture reading was Genesis 42:8. What a word for the house.

The 11:00 am service was a “Praise Party” for Bishop, the COPIM Way! Bishop Cortez Vaughn and songstress

Chrystal Rucker rocked the house. Songs of praise went forth from oldies and goodies! Everyone was blessed,

but most of all Bishop left happy. We love you Bishop and appreciate you for everything you do.

Bishop Craig W. Johnson Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Lady D, Chystal Rucker, Bishop Cortez Vaughn

Celebrating Black History Month

Congratulations to the winners of Prom 2018

Page 2 The Praise Report

Did you know that Black History Month started

out as Negro History Week? This was started by Carter G. Woodson an established

historian, publisher, educator and scholar. It only be-

came a month-long celebration in 1976. It should not surprise you to know that true facts about African peo-

ple are still emerging today.

Did you know: 1. Did you know that before there was Rosa Parks

there was, Claudette Colvin. In fact, there were several

women whom refused to give up their seat. It was

March 2nd, 1955 when the 15-yr old refused to stand up

on the bus. This was 9 months before Rosa’s stand that

launched the Montgomery Boycott.

2. Inoculation was introduced to America by a slave “Onesimus”. Few facts are known about this man, but it is assumed he was born in

Africa in the late 17th century before landing in Boston. Onesimus was a gift to the puritan church minister in 1706.

3. Of the 12.5 million Africans shipped to the new world during the transatlantic slave trade, fewer than 388,000 arrived in the United

States. The transatlantic slave trade was underway from 1500-1866, shipping more than 12 million slaves, but only 10.7 million survived the

dreaded middle passage. When the United States became active in the slave trade it had been underway for two hundred years. The major-

ity of its 388,000 slaves arrived between 1700 and 1866.

4. One in four cowboys was BLACK, despite stories told in popular books and movies. In fact, it is believed the real “Lone Ranger” was

inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves. Reeves was born a slave but escaped west during the civil war where he lived in

what was known as Indian Territory. He became a Deputy U.S., marshal amongst other careers. He rode a silver horse and had a Native

American companion.

5. Betty Boop was Black - A woman named Ester Jones known as “Baby Ester” who was a Jazz singer in Harlem was the real Betty Boop.

Baby Ester often performed in the world-famous Cotton Club during the 1920s. Introduced by cartoonist Max Fleischer in 1930, the carica-

ture of the jazz singer was the first and most famous symbol of femininity in animation. Betty Boop is best known for her dress and signa-

ture vocals.

The Young Adult Ministry has done it again, marking the 3rd year of

recognizing young adults with a Prom experience they’ll never forget

The Young Adult Ministry, along with the help of several other

countless contributors, have been able to sponsor prom formal attire

to well deserving Seniors from our church!

Congratulations to Erica Holloman and Elijah Franklin. These indi-viduals have completed the application process in its entirety, provid-

ing two letters of recommendation and exceeding the minimum GPA

requirements. They both provided a well written 500-700 word essay

reflecting on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me.” This scripture strongly influenced their senior year.

The winners received a personal stylist that will have them carpet

ready from head to toe! From the suit, dress, accessories and per-

sonal hair stylist, they will be ready for an evening in style. Let’s cele-

brate these phenomenal young adults as they celebrate their Senior

Prom! Congratulations on a job well done.

Pastor Michael Hooks – Kids Grow Here

The Praise Report

Focus on the Grace of God

Page 3

Have you noticed the growth of the children and youth ministry?

If you haven’t taken the time to notice let me share with you that our children’s ministry

has definitely grown. Under the leadership change of Pastor Michael Hooks the children

appear to be extremely happy and spiritually focused.

Pastor Hooks has been a new light to the children as well as the youth and continues to

work diligently to improve and upgrade this ministry. He is always looking for new ap-

proaches to keep our children spiritually fed and to develop the next generation for king-

dom work.

As a young man and a father, he feels that he can relate to struggles that our children face

today. We truly applauded his efforts in leading this ministry, when you see him slap him a

“high five” and say thank you for the awesome job he is doing.

The Women's Ministry of COPIM started the year off focusing on

the grace of God to meet all of their heart’s desires. The call came

from Women’s Ministry Coordinator, La Rhonda “Chocolate”

Murray, during the first of a series of pep talks to encourage the

women of COPIM. “We must keep our eyes on what God can do

to overcome various obstacles and storms in life," said Chocolate.

As women, our spirituality is our influence into our qualities that define our uniqueness. Therefore, the women of COPIM were

encouraged to make personal sacrifices and to show compassion

and human kindness towards others.

God’s goodness and mercy should be the center of attention as we

ask for spiritual healing in the midst of trials and tribulations. We

should seek God’s face in everything that we do, encourage one

another and be ready to be of assistance to our sisters in Christ.

There was also a raffle drawing that placed a gift in the hands of

winners and everyone went home blessed.

COPIM Women’s Ministry meets every third Sunday of the month in

the Fellowship Hall following the 8am service. Come out and join the Women’s Ministry of COPIM!

We look to God for answers to our issues, we are over comers.

The Praise Report Page 4

Ministry Awards - A night to remember

Award Categories:

Most Improved Ministry • Children’s

• Dance

• Intercessors

• Youth

Most Consistent Ministry • Bereavement/Visitation

• Deacons

• Marriage Encounters

• Mother’s

Most Adaptable Ministry • Assimilation

• Bookstore

• Music

• Security

Ministry of the Year • Health

• Helping Hands

• Intercessor’s

• Women

New Leader of the Year • Jessie Montoya-Rodriguez

• Kelvin Ward

• Derrius Whitehead

• Maria Whitehead

Ministry Stream Coordinator of the Year • Taisha Bomar

• Michael Hooks

• Carmen Tuppence

• Carey Willoughby

Award Categories:

Ministry Coordinator of the Year • Jessie Montoya-Rodriguez

• LaRhonda “Chocolate” Murray

• Nina Whiteside

• Loria Willoughby

Staff Member of the Year • Reginna Criswell

• Michael Hooks

• Laska Jones

• Terry Rosebrough

Elder of the Year • Earl Bonner

• Reginna Criswell

• Carey Willoughby

• Loria Willoughby

Beyond the Walls • Evangelism

• Men

• Protocol

• Women

Bishop’s Award • Armor Bearers

• Health

• Helping Hands

• Children’s/Youth

The 4th Annual Celebration of Ministry was a night to remember. This was a event to honor those who have faithfully labored in ministry

in 2017. Each year, every ministry sets yearly goals that are evaluated quarterly. Currently, there are more than 40 ministries at COPIM

that were considered, and some were nominated to receive a 2018 award. While many ministries have done outstanding work, the deci-

sion was narrowed down into categories that showcased the phenomenal ministries and the actions of selected individuals:

Winners are bolded in purple

The Praise Report

Guarding your heart Valentine’s Day is typically set aside to celebrate love. However,

the Women’s Ministry of COPIM took a different approach this

year. The message was for women to “Guard their Hearts” under

lock and key.

As women, we can be vulnerable at times. Unfortunately, the heart

is involved and can become broken. This can lead to an emotional

breakdown depending on the severity of the action. Proverbs

23:7b says, “Eat and drink, but his heart is not with you.”

The time has come where women need to guard their hearts and

weigh out all of their options. Gone are the days when we simply

meet people and open the gates of our hearts to anyone and everyone. We need to proceed with caution, ask questions, and open up to

those who are trustworthy of sharing our hearts with.

In the New King James Version of the Bible, Proverbs 4:23 tells us; “Above all else, guard

your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

This also means that apart from monitoring those you allow into your heart, it is the seat

of power in our lives. Whatever we say or do comes from the heart and we should keep it

with all diligence because everything we do springs from it.

Instead of looking solely at cupid, roses and chocolates associated with Valentine’s Day, we

have a reason to look beyond the surface of the event and guard our hearts. Most impor-

tantly, love the Lord with all your heart!

Page 5

Young Mothers Ministry

The Young Mothers Ministry welcomes mothers between and ages of 16 and 35 who want to belong to a ministry that support pa-

rental guidance, encourage a closer walk and spiritual relationship with God. If you are a young mother and are interested in join-

ing this ministry contact youngmothers@copim.org

3030 N. Del Rosa Ave. San Bernardino CA, 92408

Phone: 909-474-1005 Fax: 909-474-9798

Email: info@copim.org

We want to hear from

you……

Do you have news, photos or

accomplishments you would

like to share in The Praise

Report?

Please send the information

in a short paragraph and

your contact information to

newsletter@copim.org and

we will take care of the rest.

CATHEDRAL OF

PRAISE

INTERNATIONAL

MINISTRIES

Newsletter team members

We’re on the web at

www.copim.org

The Praise Report Page 6

Calling all business owners

Are you a business owner? Do you want more exposure for

your business? The newsletter is offering advertisement space

to business owners. If you are interested and want more

information please email Newsletter@copim.org.

Executive Pastor Reginna Criswell

Ministry Coordinator, Pasha Fruman

Windy Brewer

Gina Day

Ashley Howell

Pat Ogiamien

Yolanda Richardson

Desiree Thomas

If you are interested in joining our team,

please send an email to:

Newsletter@copim.org.

Page 7 The Praise Report

The vision of Cathedral of Praise International Ministries was stated by our foun-

der, Jesus the Christ, and recorded in Luke 4:18-19. This is a ministry of reconcilia-

tion ordained to assist the poor, to heal the hurting, to deliver the captive, to re-

store sagacity to the spiritually blind, to set free the oppressed, and to preach and

teach the truth of the Gospel.

We have been commissioned to focus on people rather than programs, to create a

spiritual atmosphere where true worshippers can praise Him in the freedom of the

Spirit, and to break down the walls of tradition that make the Word of God of

none effect.

We are commanded to edify the people of God by demonstrating unconditional

love, by developing a community of believers who give of themselves so that no

one is lacking anything, and by sowing the Word of God in our lives that a harvest

of spiritual fruit might blossom forth.

COPIM is a Non-denominational Christian Church. Our spiritual covering is pro-

vided by Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Nassau, Bahamas. We consider it a privilege that you have taken time to discover who we are and sincerely

hope you receive a blessing from this experience.

Our Vision

Grief Support Class

The Grief Support class

has begun studying from

"Grief Share - Your Jour-

ney from Mourning to

Joy."

If you are someone who

has experienced the loss

of a loved one please join

us every 4th Sunday in

the youth annex with

Tanya Powell, facilitator.

For more information call

the church office at 909-474-1005 or email:

bereavement@copim.org