Blog Archives

Reverend Dr. Diana L. Swoope - Chosen and Highly Favored

8/28/2018

Reverend Dr. Diana L. Swoope is an ordained minister with the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana. She began her tenure on the staff of the Arlington Church of God in Akron, Ohio in 1981. In 2009, Reverend Swoope was elevated to the office of Senior Pastor of the church, and is the only female to serve in that capacity since the church was established in 1917.

Chosen and Highly Favored - A Woman's Sacred Call to Holiness

In the first chapter, I thought it was a book centered on holiness as a central theme....oh it is....but from the perspective of real life....and things I thought few women ever dealt with. To my surprise...the author is totally relevant with exciting Bible references....Great book. Couldn't put it down till I finished. Have a poor self image? Read this. - Amazon Customer

It is time for women everywhere to rediscover and reclaim their created uniqueness. Chosen and Highly Favored will help women fully appropriate this love into themselves and achieve their created status of holiness. Discover what holiness means for a 21st century woman whose lifestyle is very much different from the women of the Old Testament but whose issues are very much the same.

Purchase Book on Amazon Smile (Support CWC)

Continue to read more about Reverend Dr. Diana Swoope by clicking below...

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Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt - Impacting her readers with powerful insight!

8/21/2018

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Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt is the Senior Pastor of the Teays Valley Church of God, a fast-growing church, in Scott Depot, West Virginia where she has served since 1997. Prior to accepting that call she served for 12 years as the Assistant Pastor of the Dayspring Church of God in Cincinnati, OH and as a Special Assignment Missionary for two years on the island of Cyprus. Dr. Pratt holds degrees from Anderson University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and the Institute for Worship Studies. In addition to her pastoral work, she has been an online instructor for Mid-America Christian University, conference and retreat speaker, preacher, worship evangelist, and voice clinician. She is married to Rev. Thom Pratt, the church’s Connections Pastor and also serves as the Church Health Coach for the state of WV. The Pratts have two children, Hannah and Joshua.

Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt - opening speaker at the 2017 Church of God Women's Convention, Women Changing the World, in Daytona Beach, FL.

A dent or a difference? An impression or an impact? How do you want your life to influence others? Who will follow Jesus more closely because they want more of what they see in you? Who will be more courageous because of your example? Who will be led to greater freedom and joy because of your daily outlook? Who will find their way to healing and wholeness because of your impact on their lives? As believers in Christ, we are called to make an impact on the world for Jesus. The dramatic change in our lives brought about by the gospel should be convincing evidence that Christ is real and that his presence brings positive transformation to those who surrender to him. This book is an invitation to think about the personal impact you could make on those around you. Read it with an open heart, and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a world-changer for Christ.

Purchase at Warner Press

In an age filled with skepticism and hopelessness, Reverend Pratt reminds believers that positive and eternal change is possible. This book is a must read for those who think that the culture, a relationship, or even one’s own usefulness is simply a lost cause.
--Dr. John Fozard
President, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City

Impact: That’ll Leave a Mark is a timely book about the practical yet profound effect of God’s people on the culture they serve. Dr. Pratt encourages us to “go be the Body—everywhere, to everyone, all the time.” Embracing the principles of truth and pragmatic approach found here will help release you into the realm of impact as a follower of Jesus and challenge the church to take a new look at its ministry and mission.
--Mitchell Burch
Pastor/Evangelist and Church Consultant

Dr. Melissa Pratt brings uncommon courage, insight, and conviction to a broad range of situations faced by Christians and congregations when responding to contemporary values and culture. This book is a practical and powerful resource for equipping followers of Jesus in all walks of life to acquire a sustainable Christian witness for maximum impact in our time.
--Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders
Senior Pastor, Third Street Church of God, Washington, D.C.

Jesus famously called his followers to become “salt and light.” These are the two drivers of Christian ministry, bringing influence that changes the taste, tenor, and perspective of everything (and everyone) it touches. They are Kingdom words and Kingdom commands. But, with the velocity of change and challenge in the modern world, how do we live up to this high calling? Impact is Melissa Pratt’s answer—grounded in Scripture, inspired by the Spirit, and proven true by the extraordinary pastoral experience and witness that mark her walk with Jesus. Impact is more than a “how to,” it is a “why not me and why not here, now?” Read it and change your world.
--Rev. Jim Lyon
General Director, Church of God Ministries

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Dr. Paulette J. Boston - Paulette Talks Faith

8/14/2018

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Paulette Talks Faith

Dr. Paulette J. Boston has worked for the Chicago Public Schools for thirty-seven years as a classroom teacher and as a principal. She has now changed her career to become an inspirational speaker and a full-time writer.

She has an online ministry called Paulette Talks Faith. Each week Dr. Boston writes practical and applicable tips for faith development. Many of these tips reflect her own experiences as God is teaching her how to trust and lean on Him.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Master of Arts in education administration, and a Doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Boston’s Christian background is based on principles taught by the Church of God (headquarters: Anderson, IN). She has dedicated her life to motivating people to live their God given prescribed life.

She has written several books:
Traveling Under Concealed Orders
What a Dirty Trick!
Finding Your Prescribed Life
Paulette Talks Faith—Book 1
Paulette Talks Faith—Book 2
Paulette Talks Faith—Book 3
Paulette Talks Faith Workbook

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Lonnie-Sharon Williams - Biblical Fiction and History

8/9/2018

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The author, LONNIE-SHARON WILLIAMS, is an alumna of Cleveland State University and a retired middle school teacher. Previously she was a paralegal-secretary at major corporations and law firms in the Cleveland area. She has been the recipient of many grants and awards in the legal and teaching fields. Lonnie enjoys biblical history and has been writing short stories, children’s stories, skits and poems since childhood. Her first published work, “The Healings, Three Stories” has received national acclaim and was showcased in 2013 at the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, Missouri, the national Christian book display for booksellers, and her second book, “Coming Home” has also received national acclaim. She has showcased both books in, 2014 and 2015 at the Western Reserve Writers Conference, as well as Cleveland State University.

She resides in Cleveland Ohio, and this is her third book. Lonnie has one adult son, Robert, his lovely wife, Clare, and a wonderful grandson, Daniel, who are her greatest supporters.
You may eMail the author at lonnieswilliams@att.net.

Thomas Nelson Publishers – Westbow Division © 2014

“Coming Home” is a book which fictionally completes the stories of two men in the Bible. The first story, “Jakobi,” gives insight into Jesus’ parable of what we know as the Prodigal (or Lost) Son, explaining the thoughts of the son, his brother and father in Luke 15:11-32. Jesus begins this parable with the words, “A certain man had two sons.” The main character is Jakobi and I have added information into the lives of his entire family. This parable could have been about someone’s family in the crowd of listeners in Jericho. Jesus wanted the listeners to finish the parable in their own way, so this story was left unfinished. I developed an ending regarding the two sons, the feelings of the parents, and an explanation as to why the younger son left home, later returned and the feelings of the elder son.

The second story, “Bartimaeus” concerns the healing of a blind man in Mark 10:46-52. The Bible does not give this man’s age, but allows us to understand that he once had sight. Many of the healed Biblical characters were not always named, yet we read he is the son of Timaeus. When Jesus asked what He wanted from Him, he responded that he wanted to regain his sight. How did he become blind in the first place and what happened after Jesus healed him?

I pray you’ll enjoy “Coming Home” as I tried to finish their stories and future lives following their return home.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, Westbow Division © 2012

I have always wondered why the Bible does not give names to many of the men and women who were healed in the various stories. This fictional book gives a bit of history and future events of three men who were healed. Hence, there are three stories in “The Healings” which is now released.

The first story concerns Naaman, the Syrian leper in the book of II Kings 5:1-20. The second gives an account of the Samaritan leper who, with nine others, was healed, but only he returned to say thanks to Jesus in Luke 17:11-17. The third story gives insight into the character of the man who was healed by Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-14. All of their healings were miraculous, but what happened in the future in each of their lives after they received their healing? You’ll find out in my book.

The book is softbound with large print so all may read and enjoy. It is listed on WestBow.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, cbd.com, and other eBook websites, and can be found in your favorite library and Christian bookstore.

Plan to be blessed by reading “The Healings”!

Thomas Nelson-Zondervan Publishers
Westbow Division © 2016

“Accused!” completes the story of a young Jewish woman, who felt she had no other alternative to survive than to become a prostitute. Her story is depicted in the Book of St. John, chapter 8. Why was this woman chosen to be in the center of Pharisees, scribes, and other officials as they met with the Man Jesus? Questions were asked of him, and although they called Him ‘Rabbi’ (meaning teacher), if Jesus was such a Teacher, why ask Him questions concerning Jewish laws?

How and why did Tahmari decide to take on this oldest profession when, according to the Commandments and the Law, she would have been put to death immediately? And where was the man she was supposedly with at the time she was taken to the center of town?

I pray you’ll enjoy “Accused!” as I tried to give insight into the life of the fictional Jewish prostitute, Tahmari.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press, A Division of
Thomas Nelson Publishers
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
1-(866) 928-1240
www.westbowpress.com

More information and press release...

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Through Daised Fields - Susanna C. Roma

8/1/2018

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Susanna Roma was born 'Susanna Caporaso' in Roseto, Pennsylvania February 21, 1916. She was raised in a household composed of her step-mother, her biological father and herself. She was an only child. She was very close to her father, James Caporaso. James owned and operated one of the first Italian-English newspapers in America, The Roseto Star (La Stella de Roseto).

Mom loved literature and writing even from a young age. The circumstances of life did not allow her to attend higher education, even though she graduated near the top of her class in high school. Nevertheless, she was an avid reader, a student of the English language, and writer all of her life. She has had quite a few of her creative works published in various publications and has had two books of her own previously published. However, this latest publication is one that brings her the most satisfaction. The artwork has been done by her daughter, Alita Abruzzese, who is a well-respected artist and a retired public school art teacher.

Mom raised four children and was the main caregiver for my Dad when he became ill at a fairly young age. Mom lived on her own until just nine months ago (at 101 years of age), when she accepted our invitation to live with Maryann (my wife) and me. She recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.

I have been the Senior Pastor of the Wintergreen Ledges Church of God (Akron, OH) for the past twenty-seven years and have just now retired from senior pastor ministry.

-Pastor Jim Roma, “Mom’s Jimmy”

This is a compilation of Susanna Caporaso Roma's lifetime of writing poetry. She is inspired by life, love, sorrow, joy, and laughter. Her deep faith is evident in her work. As she reflects upon her story, she paints pictures with her words. She has won many local, state, and national awards and has been published internationally. At 102 Susanna is still inspired to write.

The book ‘Through Daisied Fields’ by Susanna C. Roma can be purchased online through lulu.com (preferably) or through
Amazon Smile (Supporting Christian Women Connection) or barnesandnoble.com.
ISBN: 978-1-387-56494-1

Purchase Now on Lulu

Purchase Now on Amazon Smile (CWC)

With Love From A Friend, Pastor Jim Roma “Mom’s Jimmy”
(Mom just celebrated her 102nd birthday!)

My heart and my memories are full of MOM. Every area of my life, throughout my life, has been positively influenced by my mother. She has been a great source of comfort, wisdom and inspiration. I can’t imagine what my life, especially my childhood, would have been without her.

Looking back, I now realize that we would have been considered economically disadvantaged. My Dad, at a fairly young age, had the misfortune of becoming ill from a neurological disorder. Welfare not being then what it is today, and Dad being a very proud individual, we lived on the small amount of income that my mother could generate. The only governmental help that we received was an occasional box of food that was referred to then as surplus: rice, flour, dried eggs, chopped ham, beans, lard, etc. Mom worked long hours at a department store in a neighboring town and nonstop while at home.

Our house was rather run-down, needing repairs and a new coat of paint. Weekly baths were taken in a round tub that was kept hanging on a wall of the back porch and carried into the kitchen, which served as our everything room. Hot water was prepared by heating it in a cooking pot on our kerosene stove. A coal furnace, in a basement having merely an outside entrance and a ceiling that was about five feet high, heated only the single downstairs room; the all-purpose kitchen. In fact, I can remember going to bed wearing a winter coat and waking up to frosted windows; frost on the inside, that is! The rear wall of our two-story home was sinking and had caused the upstairs floor to bend so far that I could roll my toy cars downhill on it. Mom didn’t drive and had to depend upon others to get to work. One day a lady picked up my mother on a designated street corner not far from our home. Not knowing where we lived, the driver pointed toward our house and said to my mother, “Look at that house! It is an embarrassment to the community.” With an aching heart, Mom gently informed her that the shabby house was ours.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because how it actually was and how I experienced it were two different realities. I remember my childhood as one full of warmth, love and affirmation. Somehow, while I was just a boy and even yet today, my humble surroundings fade away and I can only see my Mom. Walking into our dimly illuminated kitchen was like walking into a palace, because Mom was there. Our meals seemed like feasts, for Mom had artistically prepared them and served them with love. Holidays were special because Mom made them special. We were not impoverished, we were rich! You see, we had Mom! As I said previously, everything about my life is full of Mom. Even now I can fondly remember precious moments as a preschooler snuggling up to Mom in bed; feeling so wonderfully loved and secure as the warmth of her body came through her flannel pajamas. All that fills my mind as I reflect upon life are images of Mom: compassionate eyes that lifted the soul, laughter that filled my heart with joy, tender touches that constantly affirmed her devotion and love, hugs and kisses, and kind words that gave me worth and significance. She believed in me. She possessed a quiet confidence in the faithfulness of God to sustain her in the struggles and difficulties of life. From the outside looking in, my childhood could appear to have been void of certain necessities. But from the inside looking out, it was void of nothing, for it was filled with Mom’s love. Her influence has immeasurably altered, for the good, my adult years as well. In every area of life where I have achieved any success, Mom has been a faithful source of encouragement; my prayer partner; my cheerleader. Mom lives with us. Though she has lost almost all of her vision, she still has a sharp mind and is continuing to create poetry. (In fact, a book of her poetry has just been published. It is titled, Through Daisied Fields and can be purchased using the information below).

If you are a mom, then please realize that what your children need more than anything else is simply, YOU. Be entirely devoted to them. Pray without ceasing for them. My wife, Maryann, also had a most wonderful mother. Mom Underation is now with the Lord. Maryann and I often mention to each other how blessed we each have been. And to everyone, if you were fortunate enough to have had a good mother and have not expressed your appreciation, then Mother’s Day is just around the corner and it would be an opportune time to express your love to your Mom. Our prayers are with those of you who have never had a Mom, had a bad Mom, or have experienced the death of your Mom.

The book ‘Through Daisied Fields’ by Susanna C. Roma can be purchased online through lulu.com (preferably) or through Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. ISBN: 978-1-387-56494-1
Exodus 20:12; 21:15,17 Proverbs 31:10-31;10:1; 13:1,24; 1:8-9; 23:22-25; 19:18; 29:15,17 Titus 2:3-5
Ephesians 6:1-4 1 Peter 3:1-6 Matthew 15:1-20 John 19:25-27 2 Timothy 1:5 Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Audio sermons at www.wintergreenledges.org & Facebook (live streaming Sunday mornings)

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Melanie Thigpen - Ministry Coordinator of Communications

Guidelines:
BOOK NOOK: A place where distinguished authors can be showcased and celebrated for their literary work as well as equip, encourage and empower their readers.

Must be:

Member and regular attendee of a Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) congregation.
Female
Self or trade published

Book promotion will be:

In 1 (one) Friday Connection E-Newsletter which delivers to over 2,000+ subscribers
Added to Christian Women Connection Website - 1,500-1,600 monthly views
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Approved writer provides:

High Res picture (300+ dpi) of author
(unless writing under pen name)
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Content approval is at the sole discretion of Executive Director and CWC Ministry Coordinators

Send inquiry to: frontdesk@wchog.org or call 1-866-778-0804.

Reverend Dr. Diana L. Swoope - Chosen and Highly Favored

Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt - Impacting her readers with powerful insight!

Dr. Paulette J. Boston - Paulette Talks Faith

Lonnie-Sharon Williams - Biblical Fiction and History

Through Daised Fields - Susanna C. Roma

​With Love From A Friend, Pastor Jim Roma “Mom’s Jimmy”(Mom just celebrated her 102nd birthday!)

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With Love From A Friend, Pastor Jim Roma “Mom’s Jimmy”
(Mom just celebrated her 102nd birthday!)