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 >Ministries
Worship Service
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord Thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10
Worshipping in our church service means that you'll hear the word of God, fellowship in faith and give God great praise... please join us and experience God's love through us!
Key Benefits
- Dynamic preaching, and teaching of the word of God
- Inspirational praying, and fellowship in the Holy Spirit
- Powerful praising in the worship of God
- Active participation in the solution of social problems
Worship service at Usher's Temple starts at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.
Multi-Media Ministry (Audio/Video)
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
Church and technology combine in this innovative multi-media (audio/video) recording project designed to keep the word of God ever present in our lives. This ensures the preservation and availability of sermons to members who are absent from church, or who just want to hear the sermons again, at any time they wish. To accomplish this, Usher's Temple has constructed an audio/video recording and control booth complete with all the equipment needed to record not only sermons, but special events and occasions.
Key Benefits
- Sermons are preserved and readily available at any time you feel the need for a blessing
- Sermons on tape can be shared with family and friends, and are true "gifts" for the soul
- Members who travel, or are sick and shut-in, won't have to miss another Sunday sermon
- Monthly "Audio Club" members receive CDs of each sermon and special events for a flat fee of $20.00 monthly.
Audio sermons by our Pastor can be yours by writing to:
Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church
c/o Multi-Media (Audio/Video) Ministry
P. O. Box 893
Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 or emailing the church secretary:
A donation of $6.00 per CD or $8.00 per DVD is requested.
Thank You!!
Bible Study
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15
Hearing, discussing and applying God's word is a twice weekly event that brings God-awareness, enrichment and understanding into our lives.
Key Benefits
- Receiving an awareness of God through hearing His word
- Getting enrichment for our life through discussions, question and answer sessions
- Understanding when, how and why to apply the word of God to daily situations
Sample Topics
- Division in the Church (I Corinthians 1-4)
- Principles of Stewardship (Like 19:11-27)
- Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Board of Christian Education
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." II Timothy 3:16
Responding to the need for programs of Christian nurture of the church, educational ministry, and educational activities for members, officers, boards and auxiliaries is the responsibility of this board.
Training and Development Spring Schedule
General Events
| Event |
Date/Day |
Details |
| Music/Choral Workshop |
TBA |
Mr. Greg Miller |
| Sunday School/New Members Class |
Every Sunday |
9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. |
| Bible Study |
Wednesdays |
Noon and 6:00 P.M. |
| Intercessory Prayer Meeting |
Wednesdays |
After Bible Study |
| Book Club Gathering |
February 26, 2011 |
Usher's Temple Annex |
| Acolytes Training |
March 6, 2011 |
After Services |
| H & R Block Tax Workshop |
March 20, 2011 |
After Services |
Discipleship Development
| Event and Details |
Presenter(s) |
The Episcopal Address Revisited
Date: TBA |
Rev. William S. Banks |
Ministry Development
Date: TBA |
Rev. William S. Banks |
Journey Through the Season of Lent
Date: Beginning Sunday, March 6, 2011 |
Rev. William S. Banks |
Black Marriage Counseling for Couples
Date: May 18, 2011 • Usher’s Temple Church Annex |
Rev. and Mrs. Banks |
Leadership Development
| Event and Details |
Presenter(s) |
Conflict Resolution and Management
Date: March 16, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. |
Rev. William S. Banks |
Strategic Planning Workshop (Phase 2)
Date: June 1, 2011 at 6:00 P.M.
Fort Valley State University |
Dr. Julius Scipio, Ed.D. |
Community Development/Outreach
| Event and Details |
Presenter(s) |
Enlighten Males Program
Date: Ongoing Recruiting Process |
Rev. William S. Banks |
Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar
Date: TBA |
Mrs. Rosa Hosley |
L.E.A.P. Information Session
Date: February 26, 2011 |
Mrs. Mildred Lindsey |
Black Church HIV/AIDS Awareness Week
Date: March 6—12, 2011 |
Rev. Estella Green |
Mobile Technology Lab
Date: March 10—11, 2011 • Usher’s Temple CME Church |
Mrs. Mildred Lindsey |
GMCF Diabetes Education & Outreach
Date: April 6th and April 13th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. |
Margaret Maxwell, RN, BSN |
Medicare/Medicaid Workshop
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. |
Rev. Henry Jones |
Health/Nutrition/Fitness
Date: May 15, 2011 Immediately after Services |
Ms. Kyra Miller,
Mr. Matthew Walker |
Key Benefits
- Creation and administration of needed programs of Christian nurture of the church
- Development of a sound educational ministry for continued instruction in church doctrine and policy
- Supervision of those departments that will affect the lives and education of our church and community youth
Responsibilities
- To develop and promote the program of Christian nurture of the church, according to the needs of the local congregation and community, and in conjunction with the programs and policies of the General Department of Christian Education.
- To organize and administer the educational ministry and activities of the church including the Sunday Church School, Christian Youth Fellowship, Young Adult Council, Vacation Bible School, weekday schools, training classes for new members, continuing education classes and institutes for church officers, boards and auxiliaries, etc..
- To develop educational programs about the C.M.E. Church, its history, doctrine and policy.
- To organize and supervise the educational ministry of the church in four (4) age levels: Children's Division (ages 1-11), Youth Division (ages 12-17), Young Adult Division (ages 18-35) and Adult Division (ages 36 and above).
- To see that the Sunday Church School, Weekday Church School, Christian Youth Fellowship and other departments of the church utilize literature and curriculum materials issued or approved by the General Department of Christian Education.
- To conduct, during the summer vacation period, a Vacation Bible School to provide Christian education programs for the children and youth of the church and community. A Superintendent appointed by the Director, approved by the Pastor and confirmed by the Board shall be in charge.
- To sponsor Promotion Day in accordance with the plans of the General Department of Christian Education.
- To see that an effective ministry to the children of the church (ages 1-11) is provided.
- To be a resource for the educational ministry to Adult Work, provided by various groups, auxiliaries, organizations, and boards of the church.
- To see that National Youth and Young Adult Week (beginning the last Sunday in January and ending the first Sunday in February) is observed.
- To see that Special days outlined in the Discipline are observed by the Sunday Church School.
- To organize a Committee on Scouting and, with the approval of the Pastor, appoint a Scouting Coordinator.
- To prepare an appropriate budget for the educational ministry of the church in accordance with the total stewardship program of the church developed by the pastor and officers of the church.
- To see that the Sunday Church School and Christian Youth Fellowship observe the fourth Sunday in each month as Education Sunday, at which time the offering shall be taken for education. The offering should be sent to the General Department of Christian Education to be used for scholarships aid for C.M.E. college students according to the provisions of the Discipline and the Standing Committee on Christian Education.
In compliance with, and adherence to the responsibilities listed above, the Board of Christian Education, along with the members (representatives) of the many auxiliary boards and ministries of the church, met in a two-day retreat. As a result, we set forth and began the implementation of the program of activities and Calendar of Events for the current year for Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church. Authority
The Board shall have authority to fill any office that may become vacant; and, upon the recommendation of the Director and/or Pastor, shall have authority to remove for cause any officer or other person to whom the Board has given responsibility within the educational program of the church.
Commission on Membership and Evangelism
The responsibilities and duties of the Commission on Membership and Evangelism consist of the following:
- The Commission shall be composed of representatives of the various organizations of the church, including youth and young adults.
- The Commission should meet at least once per month.
- Officers to be elected are: chairperson, vice chairperson, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, and treasurer.
- The Commission Chairperson, in consultation with the pastor, shall appoint the following committee chairpersons:
- Prayer Committee
- Prospect Committee
- Visitation Evangelism Committee
- Membership Preparation and Assimilation Committee
- Attendance Committee
- Records Committee
- Where more feasible, the six committees may be combined into three, and chairpersons be appointed accordingly.
- Committees should meet monthly, and the chairperson should report to the Commission the activities of the committee.
- The Commission shall plan its work at least one year in advance by establishing goals and special projects to be undertaken by the committees.
College Ministry
 Under Construction
Christian Youth Fellowship
Under Construction
Drama and Dance Ministry
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1
Serving God through the performing arts is like using a language that speaks to the very essence of who we are -- and from there, begins a glorious conversation.
Key Benefits
- Performances that portray the continuing praise and worship of God
- Development of skills that foster emotional growth and spiritual well-being
- Participation in community service and social activities that build good character
- Strengthening of creativity and the techniques of teamwork so necessary in today's society
Food Ministry
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28
The Food Outreach Ministry of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church is designed to serve those in need within the community - particularly senior citizens.
The ministry consists of the distribution of both bags of grocieries to various individuals and prepared meals for those who need them.
As a church family that is service oriented, and mission and ministry focused, we continue to strive in ushering in the Kingdom of God through our committment to others.
Ministry to Men
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalms 133:1
Fellowshipping -- being together, sharing similar interests and experiences -- is the tie that binds our men, young and mature, in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
Key Benefits
- Being together as men of the church increases awareness of leadership skills
- Sharing similar interests and experiences leads to greater understanding and cooperation
- Fellowship with others in church and community builds appreciation of all persons and positions
Sponsored Events
- Men's Fellowship Sunday (Usher's Temple Men)
- Men's Fellowship Breakfast and meeting
- Black History Awareness: "Famous Black Men of History" · "Pride in Your Race... Black and Proud"
- Violence Education · Conflict Resolution: It makes good sense to "Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself"
- Discussions/Presentations: "What is being a 'Man' or 'Woman'?" · "Respect for Church" · "Personal Values" · "Appropriate Behavior(s) in Daily Life and Church"
- Computer Technology: "What would you like to know?" (open to all interested church members)
- Valentine's Day: "Presentation of Flowers to the Ladies of Usher's Temple"
- Choir Rehearsal
- Spring Cleanup: This means You!!!
- Watch Night Service
- Weight Training: Fort Valley State University Weight Room
- Swimming: Fort Valley State University Natatorium; youth and adults welcome
- Skating or Bowling
Womens Missionary Society
"For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;" II Corinthians 9:12
Promoting effective spiritual growth is the course of study this year for the Missionary Board; and spiritual growth is just as, if not more, important as our physical growth -- both require steady feeding and fulfillment.
Key Benefits
- Service to the most infirmed members of the church through gifts of love and kindness
- Fellowship with those attending sponsored breakfasts and other social gatherings
- Sharing of God's blessings with community persons in need of occasional visits and care
Scheduled Events
- Regular planning meetings
- Annual Yard Sale
- Easter Project (Easter baskets for all patients at the Peach County Nursing Home and Usher's Temple known sick and shut-in)
- Christmas Sharing (Love offering to known sick and shut-in members of the church)
- Missionary Christmas Tea
- Study Course
- Mattie E. Coleman Program
- Nursing Home Ministry
- Rossier T. Hollis Program
The responsibilities and duties of the Women’s Missionary Society consist of the following:
- To discover the mission and unity of the Christian Church in Christ Jesus.
- To make that mission and unity known at home and abroad.
- To encourage cooperation, fellowship, and mutual counsel concerning the spiritual life and religious activities of the Christian Church.
- To encourage the study of the Bible and to assist in spreading the Gospel.
- To study the needs of society in order to aid in the development of programs, people, processes, and resources that will enable the Local Church Women’s Missionary Society to fulfill its mission. Such studies shall enable the Society to react cooperatively to the moral, ethical, and spiritual issues inherent in spreading the Gospel.
- To work closely with private and public institutions and agencies in the fulfillment of common goals, insofar as such cooperation is consistent with the Constitution of the Women’s Missionary Council.
Music Ministry
"O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." Psalms 95:1
Expressing our God-given gifts and talents both through singing and playing instruments is a true blessing in this church and for our members.
Key Benefits
- Praising God in song and instrument
- Expressing to others our gratitude to God for the gifts and talents He has given us
- Blessing the congregation with a wide variety of songs, styles and voices
Pastoral Ministries
Under Construction
Prison/Jail Ministry
Under Construction
Seniors Ministry
Under Construction
Steward Board
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." I Peter 4:10
The responsibilities and duties of Stewards consist of the following:
- To make, in conjunction with the Stewardesses, an estimate of appropriation for the pastor. The appropriations where practicable shall include salary, pension, travel allowance for automobile, travel expenses for meetings. Also they shall include housing and medical hospitalization.
- To keep an accurate account of the money collected or other provisions made for the support of the ministry.
- To keep an accurate record of money spent by the Church, for all purposes.
- To share their ministries with the needy and the distressed by seeking them out and by providing for them.
- To seek out the sick and to inform the pastor of those who are sick.
- To inform the pastor of the members who are disorderly, both as to who they are and what the charges are concerning them.
- To attend all official meetings of the church.
- To give advice, if asked, in planning the work of the church.
- To attend committee meetings for the application of money to churches.
- To give counsel in matters of arbitration.
- To provide elements for the Lord’s Supper.
- To appoint, in cases of necessity, persons to receive contributions for the support of the church, and to receive whatever amounts of money have been collected in order to report it to the appropriate Conference or Board of the church.
- To solicit and receive money quarterly, if necessary, and as a means for encouraging members to contribute, the Stewards may write letters to the members.
- To make a financial report to the Quarterly Conferences so as to keep the members informed about the finances of the charge.
- To be a Standing Committee, where there is no parsonage, to provide housing for the pastor or to assist the pastor in locating houses personally.
- To provide for an educational paid leave for a full-time pastor in conjunction with the Stewardesses and in consultation with the pastor. A recommendation will be made to the Church Conference that it authorize and provide appropriate financial provisions for the same, which includes workshops, seminars, etc.
- To elect their own chairperson, secretary and treasurer.
Stewardess Board
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 23:21
Preparing the Lord's table for Communion is the fulfillment of the solemn covenant with God and with one another. Serving the Lord's table means more than just in the church -- the people are the church and they are served in the community as well.
Key Benefits
- Establishment of a solemn covenant with the Lord
- Establishment of a solemn covenant with one another as preparers of His Holy table
- Acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus in our lives
- Demonstrated desire to build, exhort, admonish, and support one another
- Sincere forgiveness and search for forgiveness in seeking His perfect will in all things
- Service at the Lord's table both before and after Communion
- Service at the table of the poor -- feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, providing community services and spreading light to the uninformed
- Service through outreach ministries, commitment, worship, tithing and planning effectual programs such as our Annual Stewardess Celebration
Future Plans
- Monthly spirit-filled meetings every 2nd Monday at 6:00 p.m.
- Outreach ministry each month
- Fall Salad and Soup fellowship with the Missionaries
- Visits to the Nursing Home on weekly basis
- Sponsorship of Stewardess Sunday (1st Sunday in June)
Sunday School
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29
Training -- for, and in, the love and knowledge of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. We do this through intensive study of the meaning, and understanding of the Bible as God’s word. Our teachings are designed to help in the growth of Christian faith.
Key Benefits
- Training for, and in, the love and knowledge of God as revealed in Jesus Christ
- Study of the meaning -- and understanding -- of the Bible as God’s Holy word
- Teachings designed to help in the growth of Christian faith and service
Officers
- General Superintendent: Ethel Ezell
- Adult Departmental Superintendent: Glenwood F. Hill
- Young Adult Departmental Superintendent: Mathew Walker
- Youth Departmental Superintendents: Natacia Johnson and Keith Wilson
- Treasurer: Delilah Harris
- Secretaries: Jessica Harris and Keytrick Jones
- Assistant Secretaries: Sherita Crafter and Ballone Thompson
Classes and Teachers
The teaching ministry of the Sunday Church School is divided into the age categories of children, youth, young adults, and adults as designated by the General Department of the Christian Education of the C.M.E. Church.
- Adult Women’s Class # 1: Betty Hill, Charlene Wilson & Charlie Mae Troutman
- Adult Men’s Class # 2: Glenwood Hill & Reverend Cedric Allen
- Young Adult Class # 3 (ages 18 - 35): Nathaniel Brown & Ulrica Jones
- Youth Class (ages 14-17): Gerald Walker
- Junior Class (ages 11-13): Alfredia Walker
- Primary Class (ages 7-10): Delilah Harris & Rosa Holsey
- Kindergarten Class (ages 0-6): Ethel Ezell & Evelyn Robinson
Activities
- Sunday School Christmas Party
- Youth and Young Adult Week - Youth Rally
- Sunday School Promotion/Appreciation Day
- Sunday School Convention
- Vacation Bible School
Sunday School Outings
- Movies/Arcade
- Lyceum Features at Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
- Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN
Trustee Board
"We are reconciling the world and salvation by making known God's redemptive love through Jesus Christ."
II Corinthians 5:18-19
Reconciling, restoring and reaching out to the children of God and the world, in spirituality, service and love.
Mission and Millennium Theme
Mission: The Trustees as a Board shall hold "all" property: real, personal and mixed, owned by the charge, and other such property as may be committed to their keeping.
Theme: "We are reconciling the world and salvation by making known God's redemptive love through Jesus Christ"
(II Cor. 5:18-19) Therefore our church's millennium thrust will be focusing upon:
- "Reconciling men, women, and children to God through Jesus Christ"
- "Restoring Godly discipline and spirituality in the home" and,
- "Reaching out to the world in service and in love."
Selected Duties of the Trustee Board
- The trustees shall make the property of the church to which they have an assignment, available and accessible to the pastor and other "duly-authorized" ministers of the CME church.
- The trustees shall be responsible to the Quarterly Conference which shall have the power to remove them as individuals of as a Board, if its will serves the best interest of the CME church.
- Last, but not least, the trustees shall not obligate the church financially without the consent of the official board, the church conference and/or the Quarterly Conference subject to State Law.
Key Projects Completed Within the Last Five to Ten Years
- Put all properties under a 'Bonafide Insect and Pest Control Contract' with Orkin Company.
- Put the rental property adjacent to the church under vinyl siding to current specifications and aesthetic appeal.
- Purchased and installed new "handicap accessible" water fountains with up-to-date treatment filter systems.
- Purchased and contracted the installation of four (4) new columns in the front view of the sanctuary with a lighted view at night.
- Established and guided the new music, recording, and microphone control center called "The Music Room" that coincides with the pastor's vision for the church's music and tape ministry. This project has paid spiritual and monetary dividends far beyond the general expectations. It is a positive asset to our church.
- Established two (2) new bathrooms in the front sanctuary of the church for women and men.
- Established and has resurfaced the parking lot with directive guide symbols and handicap spaces in strategic areas.
- Establishd and contracted for installation of new "flourescent" lights in each Sunday School room in the Educational Annex.
- Guided the church through the filing of the lawsuit against Wolfork Chemical Company involving pollution damage and site contamination.
Current Projects and Visions
We're planning to expand into a new building in conjunction with the "Annex Renovation Project", that may be comparable to a "Family Life Center." This will be a multi-purpose facility with selected aspects of design, to carry Usher's Temple CME Church into the new millennium. This expansion fosters conservation and preservation of our current structure, and provides "Options Value" for future generations to come.
Tutorial Program
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Educating and supporting the educational process is the focus. Subjects stressed include: reading, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics (high school and college), art, physical fitness and music. "The more you know, the farther you'll go!"
Key Benefits
- Educational support to the youth of Usher's Temple and the community
- Complete curriculum coverage for all age groups, including college
- Fellowship of the youth during field trips and study parties
Rules and Discipline
- What will be expected of each student?
- How discipline will be handled?
- What part will the parent play?
Areas of Learning
- Reading: comprehension, vocabulary, oral and silent reading
- Language Arts: grammar, creative writing, paragraphs, spelling
- Social Studies: map study, factual information about the United States, factual information about Georgia, current events, Black History
- Science: living and earth sciences
- Mathematics (1-8): adding, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, tables
- Mathematics (high school): general math, square roots, geometry, algebra, etc. - conducted by college students
- Art activities
- Physical Fitness activities
- Music activities
- Field Trips (to be planned)
- Study Parties
Ushers Board
The responsibilities and duties of the Board of Ushers consist of the following:
- There shall be organized in each church one or more Board(s) of Ushers.
- They shall elect their own officers. The president of the Board of Ushers shall be a member of the Quarterly Conference.
- The duties of the ushers shall be to admit people to the house of worship, attend to their comfort while they are therein, and perform any other duties assigned to them by the pastor and/or Official Board.
Youth Ministry
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14
Sowing the word of God in our youth and young adults is primary to the success of our church, nation and race. It's a job that we all take very seriously and to heart.
Key Benefits
- Exposure to people and to the ideals that build character
- Participation in events that raise cultural and social awareness
- Support from pastor and church members to create a strong sense of self-worth
Planned Events
- Youth Retreat
- Easter Program
- Graduation Program
- Leadership Training School (Paine College, Augusta, Georgia)
- Cultural Event (Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee)
Monday School (Grades K-5; Reading and Math)
Under Construction
Young Adult Works
Under Construction
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