Newsletter Date

COGVA NEWS
April 2018
Volume 1, Issue 1
Volume 5, Issue 7

“…Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.”
Table of Contents: Habakkuk 2:2 (LEB)

Neace’s Pieces 2 Allison Gap FCOG Calls Jeremy Dunn as

Staunton FCOG Offers

Unique Easter/Passover
Pastor Israel, that the people
offered themselves
Observance 3
willingly, bless the LORD!”
COGVA State Youth He spoke of Deborah’s
qualities as a judge,
Convention Update 4 encouraging Pastor
Minister’s Fellowship Jeremy to be a listener
and enthusiastic and
Gathers at Water’s Edge willing in his following of
Church 4 God’s leading.
In the Charge to the
RESTORE Family Pastor, Pastor Bobby
Dunn read scripture
Conference Has Exciting
written by Paul to his “son”
News 5 Timothy telling him to
“Preach the Word”! As
Stedman Clan Adds to Their Pastor Bobby spoke to his
Dynasty 6 son, he admonished him
Rev. Jeremy, Amy, and Bryson Dunn to also “Preach the Word”.
Mark Your Calendars 6 The charge to the
Exciting Times in Youth congregation was given
It is with great joy, took part in the charging by Pastor Trevor Belcher
Programming 7 thanksgiving and prayers of Pastor Jeremy and the from the Anderson Church
that the church family of congregation in this new of God in Bristol. He
COGVA Budget 8 step in our journey with
the First Church of God in encouraged the church to
COGVA Churches Seeking Allison Gap, Saltville, VA, Christ. live out the scripture from
welcomed their new Pastor Bob Neace began Hebrews 13:17 “Have
Pastors 9 this time together with a
minister and his family – confidence in your leaders
Pastor Jeremy Dunn, Amy promise not to tell stories and submit to their
Mark Aufrecht Asks Help to
and Bryson on March 25th, on Pastor Jeremy from authority, because they
Roof C.W.C./W.C.G. 2018. The installation Youth Camps and keep watch over you as
service was held at 3:00 Conventions, many of those who must give an
Cottage 9
pm on Palm Sunday amid which he had pictures of account. Do this so that
Flyers 11 on much joy and celebration. and would gladly share their work will be a joy, not
State Minister Bob Neace, later if asked and that a burden, for that would
Rev. Bobby Dunn, Rev. there would be plenty of be of no benefit to you.”
Bill McCollian, Rev. Trevor opportunity to share those He also encouraged the
Belcher, and congregation stories. congregation to support
members Norma Brickey, The word given was from Pastor Dunn and his
Burton and Lisa Martin, Judges 5: 2 “That the family as they learn who
and Carol Mutter each leaders took the lead in (Continued on page 10)
 COGVA News
Neace’s Pieces
Another night with the
frogs? In the scripture
narrative that builds up to
the first Passover, there is
a story about the second
plague in Egypt. The
story is found in Exodus 8:
8-10a - “Then Pharaoh
called Moses and Aaron
and said, “Plead with the
LORD to take away the
frogs from me and from
my people, and I will let
Dr. Bob Neace, COGVA
the people go to sacrifice
State Minister
to the LORD.” (9) Moses
said to Pharaoh, “Be
pleased to command me
when I am to plead for you
“And (Pharaoh) said,
and for your servants and
‘Tomorrow’”…
for your people, that the
frogs be cut off from you
and your houses and be
left only in the Nile.” (10)
And he said, “Tomorrow.”
…”
Each time I read this
story, I am reminded of a
time when my family went
to visit my uncle and aunt.
Warm weather and an
open field beckoned to me
and I found myself playing
in a field near their home.
It was late spring, the field
was close to a small river,
and in that field were
frogs, and not just a few!
It seemed I had found a
gold mine in regard to
these little creatures. They
were small, about the size
of my thumbnail. Every
step I took caused frogs to
jump in concert with one
another. Seeing this as a
child, and never having
the desire to leave such
fun, I determined to take
as many home with me as
was possible. After all,
what home is complete
without such
entertainment?
Having only a brown
paper bag with which to
collect my treasures, I set
about the task of capturing
these frogs. Remember,
they were tiny, so the bag
would hold many frogs.
After what seemed hours
of focused hunting and
gathering, I saw my dad
and uncle getting into the
car to make an ice run.
Climbing into the back
seat, I sat, with my frogs
in tow, quietly minding my
own business. As we drew
closer to town, my dad
offered a ride into town to
a man who obviously had
been subjecting himself to
that which altered his
senses. In other words,
he was drunk.
Having no room in the
front seat, as my uncle
and dad were there, he
climbed into the back
seat. With him on the
passenger side, I sat as
close to the door on my
side of the car as
possible, bag of frogs in
my lap, holding the top
tightly closed, and focused
straight ahead. The old
man leaned over and
asked in a gruff voice,
“Whatcha got in the bag,
boy?” Irritated he called
me boy and that he was
not following my example
to ignore me as I ignored
him, I told him, “ There’s
frogs in the bag.”, without
Page 2 of 13
looking at him. He
declared, “There ain’t no
frogs in that bag!..
Whatcha got in that bag?””
I reiterated my statement,
“There’s frogs in the bag.”
The third time he
challenged what I told
him, I gave him the bag
and told him to look for
himself. At this time, Dad
was pulling to a stop sign,
and just before we came
to a complete stop, the old
man opened the bag, and
stuck his head in it. When
he did, frogs jumped all
over his face and neck,
frightening him so much
so he tore the bag all the
way down its side, jumped
out of the car, cursing and
swearing, finally
acknowledging the truth I
had given him -There
were indeed, frogs in the
bag. Once my dad and
uncle were able to gain
their composure and
helped the old man back
on his feet, we spent time
chasing the frogs out of
the car. We were
unsuccessful in clearing
them all out. For weeks,
we found dead, dried,
frogs under the seat, in
the dash, in the glove box,
in the ash tray, and so on.
They were everywhere.
My entertainment had
turned into a nightmare for
me and the rest of my
family until we sold that
car. (Here might be a
lesson in buyer beware…)
Which brings me back to
Pharaoh his predicament.
(Continued on page 5)
 Page 3 of 13
Staunton FCOG Offers Unique Easter/Passover Observance
The Staunton First Church
of God did something
different during Holy Week
as a way to make an
impactful presence in the
community. For the past
two years, the Holy Spirit
had given me a vision to
take the Last Supper and
to modernize it for the
modern day. The vision
consisted of doing it out at
a local restaurant and
modify some elements that
would still hold its spiritual
significance. 2018 was
when it was time to put the
vision into reality.
I contacted a local
restaurant and pitched the
idea to the manager. The
manager, asked me
“Whose idea is this?”
After I told him the Lord
gave it to me, his reply
was, “This is a great idea
and would like to be a part
of it.” As I promoted it to
the congregation to sign-
up, so I can get a head
count to the restaurant, I
expected the usual
Maundy Thursday
participation in years past.
God blew my mind as
participation had tripled by
having thirty-seven
participants sign-up.
On Maundy Thursday, I
arrived early to talk to the
wait staff and give them
the order of service. They
put us in a room that was
right next to the bar area.
As the participants arrived,
I greeted them and when
everyone got there and
placed their orders, we
began the service. First,
we open with a word of
prayer and then I read the
Passover story. I then did
a teaching on the
significance of Jesus’
death to the Passover.
Second, we had a time of
prayer request for people
to lift up who are going
through a difficult time.
Then, we had a time of
conversation and ate our
meals. Before we ate our
meals, I prayed for the
food and had everyone
recite the Lord’s prayer.
One participant was
looking toward the bar
area during the Lord’s
prayer and every person
stopped what they were
doing and was looking at
us. After our meals, I then
proceeded to read the
story of the Last Supper
from the feet washing,
betrayal, and Jesus
comforting his disciples. I
talked about not only the
significance of Jesus
washing the disciples’ feet,
but even how that ties in to
being known as Jesus’
disciples if we have love
for one another. I then
proceeded to wash their
hands, with a moist
towelette (aka baby wipes)
and gave each participant
a hand-written letter on
how they are loved and
appreciated by their
pastor. After that, we then
had a time of reflection on
how we can betray Jesus
when we act un-Christ-like
and had a time of
repentance. At this time,
the staff brought out the
elements of communion to
COGVA News
partake in the Lord’s
Super. The participants
dipped their bread and we
took communion together
in remembrance of Christ’s
love, sacrifice, and victory.
Upon leaving, I also wrote
cards to the wait staff for
their dedication and invited
them to participate in
Resurrection Sunday with
us. We also have a card
that everyone who
participate will sign, to give
to the entire staff at the
restaurant.
It was a great time of
connecting and impacting
our community. It also
brought a fire back into the
congregation as those who
missed out, have asked if
we are going to do it again
next year. The restaurant
staff was so impressed
with our group that they
are also willing to host us
again next year. I would
challenge all of us in the
State of Virginia, to take a
look at our special holiday
services and ask God to
give us a vision on how we
can make an impact in the
communities we serve, by
moving outside of the
church building and
actually being the church
movement.
 COGVA News
COGVA State Youth Convention Update
Youth from across
COGVA descended on
Fredericksburg in March
to worship and learn
together, as they have
done for decades.
Leading worship was the
Allan Scott Band,
www.allanscottmusic.com
who’s music served to
inspire those present to
seek the Lord in their
presentation. This group’s
humility and heart for
service to Christ was
evident and those seeking
Minister’s Fellowship Gathers at Water’s Edge
Church
Ministers from COGVA
gathered last month to be
refreshed in times of
dryness in ministry,
renewed in our passion to
serve, and encouraged in
who we are in Christ.
From the opening service
on Thursday night with
host pastor, Rev. Steve
Roby speaking on to Rev.
Silas Oliver bringing the
word to us on Friday night,
a sense of God’s
presence was there.
Others who led in
teaching were Rev. Calvin
Peterson, Rev. Barbara
Parker, Dr. Bob Neace,
and Rev. Harold Boyd.
Leading us in worship
were members of the
Water’s Edge Church,
Alex Vazquez, Anthony
Garcia, Nikki Buse, Jeff
a solid Christian group to
minister in music for youth
gatherings would do well
to seek them out.
Rev. Mickey Taylor, a
product of the Church of
God in Virginia and its
youth camps brought
powerful words on
encouragement and
challenge as the theme for
the weekend was
Enduring Hope.
New youth Council
members who are tasked
Dickenson, and Becki
Monahan.
The Minister’s Fellowship
of COGVA would like to
express gratitude to the
Water’s Edge Church in
Virginia Beach for hosting
our gathering, and for the
meal that was prepared
for those in attendance on
Friday by the church’s
Congregational Care
Leader Suzanne Leggett
Page 4 of 13
with the responsibility of
planning next year’s
convention in Lynchburg
are: Lexie McCracken,
Brendon Knight, Brandon
Ringley, Destiny Fulton,
and Jamelyn Gillespie,
along with adult co-
counsellors, Jessica Willis
and Matt Holman.
Youth Camps for this year
scheduled for July 10 – 14
and Fall Youth Retreat is
scheduled October 12 –
14.
and team members
Carolyn Terray, Jennie
Sloan, Connie Ashley and
others.
The leadership of
Minister’s Fellowship
covets your prayers as the
plan for the Fall Gathering
of the COGVA Minister’s
Fellowship. To be held at
Staunton FCOG
September 27-28.
 Page 5 of 13
RESTORE Family Conference 2018 Has Exciting News
We have recently secured
a rom block with special
pricing at Governor’s
Inn/Colonial Williamsburg.
The rate is $63.00 per
night! And there are no
additional resort charges
or fees. PLUS, as an
added benefit to our
guests for the conference,
they will also be providing
breakfast at NO
ADDITIONAL COST for
RESTORE Family
Conference attendees.
This is over 50% savings
over our previous room
block, (which is still
available).
CONTACT THE HOTEL
DIRECTLY FOR
Neace’s Pieces (Continued)
This second of ten plagues
brought onto Egypt was
the result of a hardened
heart toward God and
caused great hardship on
the people. The frogs
could be found in the
lowest of houses to the
palace of Pharaoh. They
could be found in the
kneading troughs, ovens,
and beds. And no one was
immune to the plague in
Egypt. But Pharaoh had it
within his grasp to be free
of the frogs. Once coming
to himself, has summoned
Moses. Moses is told to
call on his God to rid Egypt
of the frogs. As Moses
asked when this should
take place, Pharaoh
responded with,
“Tomorrow.”
Those frogs in Pharaoh’s
Egypt could represent any
RESERVATIONS 1 (800)
261-9530 AND USE
CODE 46856.
Make sure you tell the
reservation specialist that
you would like to take
advantage of the special
rate block for the
GOVERNOR’S INN for
$63.00 per night.
There are a limited
number of rooms available
at this rate so please call
today and book your room
for RESTORE Family
Conference 2018. These
rooms will NOT LAST
LONG at this rate so call
today and make your
reservation.
number of things in our
lives today. They could
represent the sin that
separates us from a
proper relationship with
Christ. They could
represent a broken
relationship with others
that needs to be mended.
They could represent
those things we hide from
our family and peers, but
of which the Holy Spirit is
well aware. How often do
we miss the blessings God
has in store for us,
because we too, are
willing to put up with the
frogs in our life for another
day, week, month, or even
years? It would be
interesting, and maybe
bring great grief to our own
hearts, to know what God
would have done for us if
we’d be obedient when He
COGVA News
These are the upcoming
deadlines for reservations:
Monday, April 30 -
$63.00/night room block
rate expires (Governor’s
Inn)
Monday, May 14 -
$138.00/night room
block expires
(Williamsburg
Woodlands)
Wednesday, May 30 ALL
REGISTRATIONS DUE
For this and all registration
information, please visit
www.restorefamilyconfere
nce.com today
speaks into our lives
concerning those “frogs”,
and not wait until
“Tomorrow.”
What “frogs” are you living
with today that need to be
dealt with and could lead
the way into a deeper
relationship with Christ. If
we dealt with those “frogs”
today, having them
removed from us by God
TODAY, and not
tomorrow, what might
tomorrow look like for us?
 COGVA News Page 6 of 13

Stedman Clan Adds to Their Dynasty

Rev. Scott Stedman & his wife,
Laura, had welcome a new
addition to their family on
November 2, 2017. Elizabeth
Jade Stedman was born at
9:07 am. She was 7.5 pounds
and 20 ½ inches long. She is a
very happy and smiling baby
who just turned 5 months old
this month.

Mark Your Calendars

April
20th -21st C.W.C./W.C.G. Convention – Roanoke FCOG
26th – 29th 6:30 nightly – Rev. Bob Neace – Thursday, Rev. Trevor Belcher-Friday, Rev. Charlie Walker
– Saturday, Rev. Mike Welch – Sunday See Flyer at end of COGVA News
May
2nd – 4th Revival 7:00 Randolph Road CHOG @ Newport News, Dr. Bob Neace, Evangelist
3rd National Day of Prayer
7th – 8th Pastor’s Fellowship, Winchester, (KY) FCOG
18th – 19th Southeastern Association of the COG Annual Heritage Day Celebration at the Forest Street
COG, Augusta, Georgia
20 – 25th Mountain Empire District Indoor Camp Meeting, Rev. Jimmy Swogger Evangelist
th

June
24th – 27th Restore Family Conference, Williamsburg Woodlands, 105 Visitor’s Center Dr.,
Williamsburg

July
2nd – 5th International Youth Convention, Indianapolis, IN
9th – 13th Student Camps, Camp Christi
July 29th – August 3rd COGVA Family Camp Meeting – Rev. Horace Shepard, Evangelist, Larry and
CheChe Mobely Worship Evangelists, Dr. Gary Agee, Teaching Evangelist
Page 7 of 13 COGVA News

Exciting Times and Changes in Youth Programming

We are excited to share NEW FOR 2018 is a Christiansburg,
our Summer Camp sibling discount as VA 24073
information with COGVA. follows:
• Registration
There are several
2nd sibling (same costs include
changes we wanted to
family) – 25% lodging, meals,
make you aware of for the
registration discount study book, and
upcoming 2018 MARVEL
follow up journal
Summer Camp: There 3rd sibling (same family)
are special EARLY BIRD 50% registration Al necessary registration
RATES for registration: discount forms can be secured at
Postmarked by April 30 - https://www.cogva.com/vir
4th sibling (same family)
$110 per person ginia-youth-fellowship
75% registration
Postmarked by May 15 - discount And need to be mailed to
$120 per person COGVA ATTN: Virginia
$60 deposit required for
Student Ministries 4704
Postmarked June 15 - each student to lock in
Roanoke Road
$130 per person your early bird rates.
Christiansburg, VA 24073
AT THECDOOR - $140 Details you need:
Make checks payable to
per person.
• Dates – July 10 – Virginia Youth Fellowship
So make plans to get your 14, 2018,
deposit ($60) in today to Registration
lock in your early bird begins Tuesday
rates. The remaining (7/10) at 10 am
balance is due upon
• Location: Camp
arrival at camp. No pre-
Christi 4704
registrations will be
Roanoke Road,
accepted after June 15.
 COGVA News Page 8 of 13

COGVA Budget
August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
Aug-Oct Nov-Jan Feb-April
Categories Budget 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr
Expenses Expenses Expenses
1000 State Office
1100 Business Office $3,500.00 $395.68 $1,189.47 $277.55
1200 Insurance $ 14,800.00 $3,744.75 $3,808.75 $3,695.27
1300 Office Manager $14,437.50 $3,609.36 $3,609.36 $2,406.24
1400 Income Taxes $3,320.00 $879.79 $879.73 $611.71
Subtotal $36,057.50 $8,629.58 $9,487.31 $5,403.85
1500 Chair $ 800.00 $ - $ - $ -
2000 State Minister
Reimbursement Fund $16,050.00 $860.75 $2,053.29 $1,479.56
Subtotal $16,850.00 $860.75 $2,053.29 $537.91
3000 Executive Council/Standing Ministries
3100 Executive Board $800.00 $177.56 $ - $ 95.76
3200 Ministry of Church Service/Credentials $300.00
3300 Ministry of Christian Education $ 75.00
3400 Ministry of Evangelism $ 50.00
3600 Ministry of Program $2,000.00 $31.80
3800 Ministerial Fellowship $100.00
3900 Church Property Team $75.00
Subtotal $3,400.00 $209.36 $ - $ 95.76
5000 Property and Maintenance
5110 Camp Bedford
5110 Caretaker $5,000.00 $1,250.01 $1,250.01 $833.34
5120 Campground Expenses (Maintenance) $1,000.00
Capital Improvements $750.00
Vehicle Maintenance $300.00
Camp Bedford Mkt/Advertising $ 500.00
5140 Utilities $6,000.00 $1,330.90 $1,112.75 $1,077.87
Subtotal $13,550.00 $2,580.91 $2,362.76 $1,911.21
5200 Camp Christi
5210 Caretaker $26,565.12 $6,641.28 $6,641.28 $4,427.52
5220 Health Insurance $7,000.00 $1,788.00 $1,788.00 $1,192.00
5250 Utilities $14,000.00 $4,309.38 $2,554.67 $1,848.92
5260 Maintenance $4,000.00 $ -
Camp Christi Mkt/Advertising $500.00 $ -

5270 Capital Improvements $750.00 $605.79 $117.50

 Page 9 of 13 COGVA News
5280 Vehicle Maintenance $500.00 $ -
5300 Legal Fees $500.00 $48.50 $7.71 $104.91
5400 Ministry Expenses $300.00 $ -
Christmas Bonus $1,300.00 $ - $1,300.00
Subtotal $55,415.12 $13,392.95 $12,291.66 $7,690.85
Total Expenses $25,673.55 $24,041.98 $18,168.15
Total Income $24,305.22 $23,240.32 $13,198.25

Difference $(1,368.33) $(801.66) $(4,969.90)

COGVA Churches Seeking Pastors

Atkins FCOG, First Church of God, 6118 Lee Hwy, Atkins, VA 24311 Pulpit Committee Contact –
Harold Henderlite – 276-591-8996, hhenderlit@gmail.com

Chatham Hill FCOG, 363 Hill Lane, Saltville, VA 24370 Pulpit Committee Contact – Calvin Lucy – 276-
698-4213

Dublin First Church of God, 6330 Courtney Lane, Dublin, VA 24084 Pulpit Committee Contact – Susan
Dickerson - 540-320-8342 or susansevy@comcast.net

Gordon Road CHOG, 10613 Gordon Road, Spotsylvania 22553 Pulpit Committee Contact – Al Diehl –
804-580-0453 or keepback500ft@yahoo.com

Newport News FCOG, 617 Randolph Road, 23605 Interim Pastor – Rev. Marion Thomas
Ch: (757) 595-0224

Rich Creek FCOG, 217 Church Street, Rich Creek, VA 24147 – Pulpit Committee Contact: Barbara
Nunes - 540 726 2929

Mark Aufrecht Asks Help to Roof C.W.C./W.C.G Cottage

C.W.C/W.C.G. President Racheal Baez has led the ladies in the
church in raising the funds to purchase materials for roofing the
cottage on the grounds of Camp Christi. The materials have
been purchased, and Care-taker Mark Aufrecht is asking for men
to commit to as much of a two day project to replace the roof on
May 11-12. If you are willing and available, please call the state
office (540) 268-2040 so plans for accomodations and meals can
be made. This project will allow future use of this building, helps
us to maintain good stewardship and cooperation with various
entities of COGVA, and allows relationships to grow as we work
together serving Him.
 COGVA News
Church of God
in Virginia
Allison Gap FCOG Calls Jeremy Dunn as Pastor
we are and how God
wants the ministry of the
4704 Roanoke Road
Christiansburg, VA 24073 church to move forward.
Pastor Bill McCollian
PHONE:
(540) 268-2040 gathered the congregation
FAX: around Pastor Jeremy,
(540) 268-2040 Amy, and Bryson as he
prayed for our new
E-MAIL: minister and church family
brobob4691@gmail.com
asking for wisdom in
cogvaoffice@gmail.com Submission Guidelines for COGVA News
All articles should be limited
to a length of 500 – 700
words. Submission to
COGVA News implies
permission to edit submitted
articles for clarity and space
availability. Priorities of
space will be given to items
of news of local
congregations/ministries,
COGVA functions, regional
We’re on the Web! About the Church of God in Virginia…
See us at:
www.cogva.com The Church of God in
Virginia consists of 50
churches across the
Commonwealth and
according to current
CHURCH OF GOD IN VIRGINIA
4704 Roanoke Road
Christiansburg, VA 24073
leadership and a vision for
the church. In Pastor
Jeremy’s closing remarks,
he thanked each one for
their part in his life and
their friendship in his
ministry thus far. He
thanked the Lord for
bringing him, Amy and
Bryson to this church at
this time. Pastor Jeremy
activities, and COGVA
Entities (C.W.C/W.C.G.,
M.C.G., Christian Education,
and all ministries of COGVA).
Non-news items and
editorials must be original to
the author and quotes
attributed to its proper
sources. Priorities of space
will be given to items of news
accounting serve over
2,500 constituents each
Sunday Morning. Our
current State Leadership
consists of Chair - Rev.
Page 10 of 13
chose two songs “To God
be the Glory” because, as
he says, that is where the
glory resides and “With
Thy Spirit Fill Me”
because without the filling
of the Spirit he is nothing.
The time of installation
was followed by a
reception.
of local church news,
COGVA Ministries.
Submission of articles should
be limited to a minimum of
one article per local
church/ministry per quarter.
A quarter will be defined as
Aug.-Oct., Nov. – Jan., Feb.
– Apr., and May –Jul.
Dick Gilbert, Vice-Chair –
Rev. Henry Haskins,
Secretary – Sister Cathy
Atkins, and State Minister
– Dr. Bob Neace.
Page 11 of 13 COGVA News
COGVA News Page 12 of 13
Page 13 of 13 COGVA News