Alex Bugnon highlights VOF’s Bishop Gary Hawkins’ birthday celebration

STONE MOUNTAIN—A towering cake wasn’t the only thing that Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. enjoyed while celebrating his birthday this month with his congregation, family and friends.

Internationally-renowned jazz pianist Alex Bugnon presented a concert in Stone Mountain on May 4 at Voices of Faith Ministries, where Bishop Hawkins is founder.

The concert was a pre-tribute to Bishop Hawkins, who turned 51 on May 5.

During his performance, the Swiss-born Bugnon shared with the audience how his musical career was influenced by several African American music legends—from the Godfather of Soul’s James Brown to gospel great Andre Crouch.

VIP guests were treated to a meet-and-greet with Bishop Hawkins and Bugnon, who promised to check out Voices of Faith on the church’s new app, which allows users to download the Sunday worship services and inspirational messages.

Jazz violinist Brooke Alford also performed at the Friday celebration, along with gospel comedian Marcus D. Wiley, who is known as the wildly funny “Bishop Secular” on the Yolanda Adams radio show.

Leading up to the celebration, Bishop Hawkins’ Facebook page was flooded with well wishers, spanning across the South. Brenda Parker Wright, who lives in Baton Rouge, LA, kicked off the avalanche of birthday wishes with her May 3, 7:25 p.m. post.

Bishop Hawkins, who oversees three locations in Georgia and one in Louisiana, wrote back nearly everyone who posted on his page.

Dr. Tanisha Johnson installed as associate pastor

Dr. Tanisha Johnson was installed as an associate pastor at Life Line Family Worship Center in Fayetteville on May 6.

Dr. Johnson, who holds a doctorate degree in biblical studies, was joined in the ceremony by her husband, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, who prayed a blessing over her after telling the congregation how they met more than 22 years ago.

Marlyn S. Gaines, senior pastor and founder of Life Line Family Worship Center, conducted the ceremony of installation.

Pastor Cheryl Minter of Anointed Word Life Center, Inc. was the guest minister.

Said Dr. Johnson: “This distinction is God’s approval and confirmation of His call on my life.  I am committed to fulfilling God’s purpose for my life and this Kingdom promotion is God’s doing. I’m humbled, blessed and privileged to serve in this capacity to aid and assist my Pastor in building strong leaders for the Kingdom of God.”

Antioch A.M.E. Church to dedicate new senior community

Antioch A.M.E. Church, Stone Mountain-Conyers, will celebrate the completion of Phase 3 of Antioch Manor Estates Senior Living Community at a dedication ceremony on May 19, 1 p.m.

The complex is located at 4711 Bishop Ming Boulevard (at South Hairston Road) in Stone Mountain.

Local dignitaries and officials will join Antioch and membership, and officials of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the dedication.

Phase 3 introduces Antioch Gardens and Antioch Villas to the community. The Gardens consist of a 60-unit apartment building featuring one- and two-bedroom units.

The Villas are nine, ranch-style buildings with a total of 46 apartments. This brings the total number of units in the community to 226.  Model apartments will be open for viewing at the ceremony.

Phase 1, a 120-unit building, opened in 2005.

When it opened, the community immediately had a 100 percent occupancy.

Phase 3 actually was completed ahead of Phase 2, which will be an assisted living facility when completed.

Antioch Manor Estates complex is a vision of Pastor Stafford Wicker, Antioch’s senior pastor, who along with his congregation, were concerned about addressing the need of a growing senior population in the community by providing quality, affordable housing.

The complex leases to seniors 55 and older.

Lease information is available by the calling the residential management office, 770-322-8839.

We Worship Calendar

Voices of Faith celebrates women with tea, fashion show

Voices of Faith Ministries’ Women With Voices, will host a fashion show and tea on May 19, 11 a.m. at the church’s central location, 2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

The fashion show features several styles, including both traditional and more contemporary looks. Women will also show off their “Sunday’s Best,” as models show off their hats at the annual event. Mae D. Jones, who has coordinated the event for several years, says the women won’t be the only ones walking down the runway. A few male models will be showing off the latest fashions for young men.

Tickets for the fashion show includes a tea for guests to enjoy sandwiches, miniature cupcakes, cheesecakes, along with hot and cold tea. Jones said the event is the perfect event to bring together mothers with their daughters, grandmothers with their granddaughters and aunts with their nieces for a day of etiquette and fun.

The cost to attend is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, call Eva “Mother” Woodside or Jacque Mitchell at 770-498-5850.

Lithonia First UMC sets barbecue, flea market

Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain Street, Lithonia, will host a spring festival, barbecue, flea market and bake sale on May 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Barbecue pork or chicken dinners, which include baked beans and coleslaw, will be sold for $7.50. Hot dogs with all the trimmings will also be offered. The barbecue will be held 11 a.m. – 2p.m. The flea market and bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 770-482-6394.

Mount Zion AME offers empowerment for women

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2977 LaVista Road, Decatur, will offer women a free empowerment program, “Defeating the Strong,” on May 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m. For the many women facing divorce, tough economic times, widowhood, family violence, substance abuse in their homes or financial problems, this program explores the concept of spiritual warfare and what tools others have used to overcome such adversity. Registration is required: 404-633-2288.

Emmanuel A.M.E. Zion to host brunch, fashion show

Emmanuel A.M.E. Zion Church, 5746 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain will host a Women’s Day Prayer Brunch and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 19, 2012. A donation of $10 is requested. The Rev. Frederick A. Williamson is pastor of the church.

Lithonia First UMC serves spring goodies

Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain Street, Lithonia, will host a spring festival, barbecue, flea market and bake sale on May 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The menu includes pork or chicken BBQ, baked beans, and coleslaw – eat in our take out -$7.50.  Hot dogs with all the trimmings will also be offered at a separate price.

The times for the BBQ are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. flea market and bake sale 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 770-482-6394.

Ray of Hope sets evening worship for youths

Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, is inviting youths in the community to o a special called youth service on May 25, 7 p.m.

Break into the summer by starting off with this worship experience with the heart of youth and young adults in mind.

The church wants youth in the community to get as close to God as possible with an evening of worship lead by worshippers from all over the city.

The church’s youth ministry says God desires for this “Millennial Generation” to be the change in the world and they are providing a face-to-face encounter with the Holy Spirit. 770-696-5100.

On Common Ground News is an independent African-American owned community resource newspaper serving residents and businesses in DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Henry counties.

These are the areas we focus our efforts in reporting on. DeKalb county areas consist of Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Tucker, Clarkston, Stonecrest, Decatur, Avondale, Estates, Eastlake, and Pinelake. Gwinnett county areas consist of Lawrenceville, Snellville, and Buford. Henry county areas consist of Ellenwood and Stockbridge. Fulton county areas consist of Atlanta, College Park, and East Point. Rockdale county area consist of Conyers.

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