Weekly Virtual Worship Service and Announcements – September 6, 2026

Our Virtual Worship Service will begin at 11:00 AM. (CDT).

You can view the livestream service on our website, Facebook, or YouTube Channel.

Today is Communion Sunday. Please have your elements ready to commune together after the sermon.

Join us and stay connected with our community as we live out our mission. Your gifts and talents are welcome!

Langley’s In-Person Worship Services
You’re invited to visit and worship with us in-person. Bring your friends and family. Masks are optional. If you are ill please be mindful of others and remain home.

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

Announcements
We’re Back Live! After taking a short break during August to refresh and reset, our Sunday morning livestream is officially back. We’d love for you to join us in person, or online, this Sunday at 11:00 AM right here or on our YouTube/Facebook page. Whether you’re at home or traveling, we’re glad to worship with you!

Welcome to Fall!
As we move into a new season of gathering and connection, here is a inspiring prayer and message to welcome you back to our website home page:

A Prayer for the End of Summer By Rick Hamlin

Dear Creator God,

You made the wind and the waves and the wide sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. I felt Your presence as I baked in the sun and dove in the sea-green water, listening to the gulls darting overhead.

May I continue to bask in Your warmth in the cooling autumn days.

The ice cream truck was always there when I wanted it, and somehow the rain stayed away when the picnic supper was planned or at least it waited until the blankets were folded and we were safe inside.

I give thanks for Your bounty at all times.

Every September I still feel like it’s the first day of school again, and I need to buy new notebooks at a back-to-school sale and brush up on my Algebra or rusty French so that I don’t make a fool of myself on the first day of classes.

Help me be an eternal student of Your goodness.

No sooner had I unpacked my dirty laundry from the trip we took did I glance at the calendar for the month ahead and saw it crowded with meeting after meeting after meeting. What happened to the calm of August? Even You got to rest on the seventh day.

Let me hold on to the peace and quiet of vacation.  

The days are already getting shorter. The sun isn’t such a dependable alarm in the morning. It set before we even finished dessert last night, and the stars were our unexpected companions on an evening walk.

Teach me, Lord, how to measure my days.

Soon the leaves will turn in color and drop from the trees, and I’ll have to dig out the sweaters from the bottom of the drawer, and I’ll declare that October is the most beautiful month of the year. Brisk, clear, luminous. In the meanwhile…

Thank You, God, for summer. May there be just one more round of fresh corn on the cob. 

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, autumn reminds us of God’s constant grace in every changing season. Step into this new quarter rooted in His word, renewed by His promises, and ready to harvest the blessings He has prepared for our community.

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

Congratulations to Our Pastor, Elder Cynthia Thomas! It is with profound respect and immense joy that our pastor was nominated and granted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 110th NACOG Campmeeting in July. Over the course of more than 30 years of unwavering service, she has embodied the very heart of ministry, combining a “beautiful, loving” spirit with a transformative leadership style that has left an indelible mark on our community and the wider body of faith.

A Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those whose work has become a standard of excellence.  Pastor Cynthia does not just hold a role; she carries a mantle of leadership that has paved the way for the next generation. After thirty years of distinctive service, she is truly deserving of this honor. We are so proud and honored to have her as our pastor, overseer, shepherd. Congratulations on this well deserved honor.

The 110th NACOG Campmeeting was held July 27 – August 2, 2026 in West Middlesex. Thank you to those members who were able to join us for an unforgettable time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at Campmeeting 2026! This year’s theme, “A Chosen Generation” (1 Peter 2:9), calls us to embrace our identity as God’s people, set apart to declare His praises, walk in His light, and live out His purpose in the world. All sermons are available for you at NACOG TV – YouTube.

We would love to have you with us for the 111th NACOG Campmeeting, next year!

Why You Should Plan to Attend:

• Dynamic Worship & Preaching: Experience powerful, spirit-filled services designed to refresh your soul and deepen your walk with God.
• Unmatched Fellowship: Reconnect with lifelong friends and build new, meaningful connections across generations.
• Spiritual Renewal: Step away from the daily grind for a dedicated week of prayer, growth, and empowerment in West Middlesex.

Whether you were unable to join us for “A Chosen Generation” in 2026 or you’re ready to make it an annual tradition, save the dates for Summer 2027. Come ready to be inspired, equipped, and uplifted! Keep an eye out for registration details and official dates coming soon. We can’t wait to see you there!

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 united 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

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.

Join the National Association of the Women of the Church of God on the First Monday (September 7th) Prayer call. This month’s speaker is Rev. DeAnna Gibson of Gary, IN. 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
Unsplash
Congregation Members
A Prayer for the End of Summer By Rick Hamlin