Weekly Virtual Worship Service and Announcements – September 20, 2026

2026 Theme: My Lord’s Sufficiency, Philippians 4:13 AMP “…I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency…”

We will look forward to the will of the Lord manifesting in our lives during the year. He will lead us and we will follow. — Psalm 32:8

Join Langley’s Prayer Line…The Langley Prayer Line is staffed by Langley Avenue COG ministers and prayer team members. Call in with prayer requests, to connect, to pray together and for any other needs. Let us shelter under the mighty wings of God.

Note the available day and time for prayer:
Monday prayer 6:15 AM – 6:45 AM and 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Wednesday prayer 6:15 AM – 6:45 AM and 11:15 PM -12 Noon
Friday prayer 6:15 AM – 6:45 AM

Langley’s Prayer Line:
1-267-807-9495
Access code: 471-150-100#

Bible Study. You are welcome to attend every Wednesday, at 7:00 PM. We look forward to being together for great learning, conversations and sharing. Teleconference only. Fellowship 7:00 -7:15 p.m.
Call: 1-712-832-7000, Access code: 7041808#.

Ways to Give
Postal Mail– Langley Avenue Church of God, 710 E. 62nd St., Chicago, IL 60637. Zelle – enter: www.langleycog@att.net

Your Faith, Your Voice: Why Every Vote Counts*
As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in our communities (Matthew 5:13–16) and to seek the peace and well-being of the places we inhabit (Jeremiah 29:7). Voting is not just a civic duty; it is one of the most direct ways we can exercise faithful stewardship, love our neighbors, and help shape a society that reflects justice, mercy, and truth.

It is easy to believe the common myth that a single vote doesn’t matter. But history tells a very different story:

• Single Votes Shift National Power: In Washington State’s 2000 U.S. Senate election, the margin of victory was just 2,229 votes out of nearly 2.5 million cast—a tiny fraction of a percent (0.09%). That single thin margin flipped a seat, created a 50-50 tie in the U.S. Senate, and fundamentally shifted national leadership.
• Local Elections Carry Huge Weight: Local elections—where decisions directly impacting our immediate neighbors are made—frequently suffer from very low turnout. In these races, a handful of votes, or even a single congregation showing up, can decide local policy and leadership.
• Voting Shapes the World We Care For: Through our ballots, we influence how our communities address local education, healthcare accessibility, economic stewardship, justice, clean water and land, and support for the vulnerable.

Decisions as vital as the moral and practical direction of our local communities and a nation should never be left to chance or low turnout. Even when a preferred outcome isn’t achieved, every vote cast sends a clear signal to elected officials about the values and priorities of their constituents.

A ballot is more than a piece of paper; it is a visible commitment to care for our neighbors and steward our nation’s future. Decisions are made by those who show up. Let us ensure that our faith and values are represented at every election—local, state, and national.

Important Websites
Illinois State Board of Elections
Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website
Vote By Mail Application
Polling Place Locator

A National Association of the Church of God Call to Prayer
In light of the serious matter currently facing the National Association of the Church of God (NACOG), we are calling our national membership to a Season of Prayer — a sacred time of prayer and seeking God’s direction. Scripture reminds us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalms 32:8)

This activity requires more than administrative action; it calls for the collective prayers of the people of God. We are asking every pastor, congregation, leader, and member of NACOG to join us as we come before God with one heart and one purpose, seeking His wisdom, favor, provision, and intervention concerning this matter.

We strongly encourage the entire NACOG family to participate. May we stand together believing that as we humble ourselves and seek the Lord, He will hear, guide, and sustain us.

NACOG Call to Thirty Days of Prayer and Fasting from August 24 to September 24 as we seek God’s face in four areas of focused prayer:

• FAVOR for the court responding positively to our September 1 appeal for reduced tax liability
• ALIGNMENT of our best practices with God’s will for the future of our property and our association 
• CONFESSION of past errors and renewed commitment to comply with local laws and requirements 
• EMPOWERMENT to prioritize ministry and vision going forward 

Rev. Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders, Presiding Elder & Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, CODO

Announcements:
Ministry Leaders please consult your timeline for all deadlines for 2026

On Sunday, October 11th, immediately following morning worship, we will have a Special Business Meeting. All voting members (those who support our church), please prepare to be at the meeting as we have a comprehensive discussion with a vote to follow on our next steps regarding the Evans building.

Congratulations to Our Grandmother of the Year, Sis. Leola Payne! We are thrilled to honor you with this well-deserved recognition! your boundless love, endless patience, and steady wisdom enrich our entire family every single day. From your warm smiles to the lifetime of advice you share so freely, you inspire us all. We love you dearly and celebrate you today!

Celebrating Our Success 4 Seniors Ministry! This past Sunday, our Success 4 Seniors ministry met for a wonderful celebratory gathering to close out an incredible year. We want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all the seniors who participated throughout the year. Together, they took on the rewarding challenge of learning about technology—building new digital skills, staying connected with loved ones, and growing in confidence. What a truly wonderful thing to witness! Thank you to everyone who participated, helped teach, and supported this vital ministry. We look forward to seeing how God continues to work in and through our seniors in the year ahead! Thank you to Sis. Terrie Basley, for your leadership with this ministry. Special acknowledgement to Sisters Sheree Jackson, Dorothy Tucker, Eva Yeo, and Dr. Deborah Barnes for assisting Sis. Terrie with the sessions!

A Heartfelt Thank You to First Church of God in Harvey. We extend our deepest gratitude to the First Church of God in Harvey for acknowledging our church family with your generous gift this past Sunday. A special thank you to Brother Jim Holloway and the leadership team of First Church in Harvey for your kindness, support, and thoughtfulness. We truly appreciate your generosity and partnership in ministry. May God continue to bless both of our congregations and keep us closely united in His love and peace!

Calendar of Events. All 2026 events can be viewed on Langley’s website. Go to http://langleycog.org and click “Calendar of Events.”

Save the Date:
The Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF) 2026 Fall Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM! The theme of this year’s Unity Service is: We Are One, John 17:21. This year we will sponsor a Luncheon Workshop for Women. Our Guest Presenter is Ms. Neticia Waldron, Director of Whole Woman Fitness & Spa in Evanston, Illinois. She is an author, Health Certified, Prophetess, & Minister (of the Church of God, Anderson, IN). The luncheon will be held at Langley Ave Church of God, 6159 S. Langley Avenue, Chicago, Il 60637.

We continue to thank the Lord for the wonderful time of gathering and worshipping together at our CAMF 2026 Spring Weekend! All women are welcome to join us for fellowship and prayer! Join us as we unite in love, serving on purpose and grow in faith – together!!

The Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship (CAMF) 2026 Fall Worship Service will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 3:00 PM-4:30 PM! The theme of this year’s Unity Service is: We Are One, John 17:21. This service will take place at Covenant Faith Church of God, 10505 S. Halsted Street in Chicago, IL 60628. The host pastor is Pastor is Frank Anderson Aidoo.  Let’s look forward to a great time together. Pastor Cynthia Thomas, Chairperson; Pastor Jerry Austin, Vice Chairperson; and Dr. Deborah Barnes, Secretary-Treasurer.

National Association Women of the Church of God. Registration is now open. The 2026 Women’s Conference will be held October 15-17th in Indianapolis, IN. Plan to join women for a powerful time together! To learn all about this event and register, visit nawcg.org/convention/2026

Celebrate Deacon’s Day with Us! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 11, 2026! On that Sunday we are taking time to honor and celebrate our dedicated Deacons for Deacon’s Day. Our deacons serve behind the scenes and on the front lines every day to keep our church family cared for and strong. They serve in so many vital ways, including:

• Caring for Our Community: Visiting the sick, homebound, and hospitalized.
• Meeting Practical Needs: Offering benevolent support and assistance to families in seasons of hardship.
• Supporting Worship & Sacraments: Assisting with communion, baptism, and Sunday logistics.
• Strengthening Fellowship: Building community and ensuring every member feels seen, prayed for, and valued.

Please join us this Sunday as we pray for, thank, and shower our deacons with appreciation for their selfless heart of service! “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 3:13

Church of God Ministry Updates:
Join Interim Director Rev. Monte Dillard on “Mondays with Monte.” Connect weekly for inspiration and insight from Rev. Monte serving at the Church of God Ministries, Anderson, Indiana. Watch here..

Middle East Crisis: A Call to Prayer and Action. Amid the crisis in the Middle East, many are praying and seeking meaningful ways to help. Church of God Ministries offers a practical, tangible way to show Christlike love by equipping local believers who are serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. Partnering with trusted organizations, these local believers are hosting displaced families and providing essential emergency assistance and ongoing support over the next six months. Everyone can pray! To help support this ministry, please click here, for additional information and ways that you can help.

National Association News
Calling All Seniors: The National Association Seniors Ministry invite you to a Senior Prayer Gathering –When: Every 3rd Saturday; Time: 6pm CST; How: Dial 605-313-5874 | Access Code: 738066#. The Seniors Ministry invites special speakers to participate each month. National Association Seniors of the Church of God Monthly Prayer Gathering. It’s also time for us to meet again to collectively celebrate the goodness of our Lord and enjoy each other’s company for an hour or so.

Join the National Association of the Women of the Church of God on the First Monday Prayer call. This live prayer call takes place the first Monday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm (CST). Zoom call information: (929) 205-6099. Meeting ID: 206 077 5452.

National Inspirational Youth Convention (NIYC) registration is open. Make sure to register today! The NIYC Advisory Council is proud to announce the convention will take place December 27-31, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is open now! Visit this link, for more information. Pray, Plan and get ready for a grand celebration in Columbus. Now’s the time to lock in the lowest rates of the year! Registration rates increase gradually as we get closer to the event. Registration is non-refundable, but transferable to another attendee during the same year. You must be registered to attend and registration is enforced throughout the span of the convention.

NIYC Charter Bus From Chicago to Columbus
Need a ride to the convention? We’ve secured a charter bus with nonstop roundtrip travel to/from Columbus. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Tickets are only $200 and must be purchased by November 17. Visit niyc.org/bus to learn more.

Important Security Update: We will never ask for your password or personal info via email or text. Stay vigilant against phishing scams and report any suspicious activity to our technology team immediately. NEVER send money when you receive requests since most are scams. When in doubt, check for authenticity!

Community Events:
The Obama Presidential Center is now open. This center located in the Jackson Park area will serve as an athletic center, museum, library and all around community center focused on civic engagement and public access. The grand opening was held on Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day), a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. June 19th marks the date in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For more information on the Obama Presidential Center, go to https://www.obama.org/visit/
Learn more about Juneteenth here, https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/what-juneteenth

Community Resource Notice: This job opportunity is shared as a service to our community members seeking employment. Please note that Langley Avenue Church of God is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by this, or any other staffing agency. Our church does not receive any financial benefit or compensation for promoting this advertisement. While we are happy to share local resources, we encourage all applicants to conduct their own due diligence before applying. All inquiries regarding these positions should be directed to the contact information provided. 

Alderwoman Jeanette B. Taylor representing the 20th Ward. Community support matters, especially during challenging times. Free Case Management Services are available to the 20th Ward community. For more information on what’s happening in the 20th Wards, visit here.

Celebrating Summer 2026! Click here to and see how the family of Langley Ave Church of God are celebrating their summer. View previous worship services with praise and worship and photos of exciting events.

Credits
*The Power of One by Rebecca Mears & Zachary Geiger
Unsplash
Congregation Members