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MIDDLETOWN – Rev. Dr. Timothy Locke, executive director of Four Springs Retreat Center will serve communion and give the sermon once each month at the Middletown Community United Methodist Church beginning July 12.
His message this week will follow the July theme of "Back to Basics" will be on The Lord's Prayer.
Pastor Voris Brumfield begins a three-week new member orientation series scheduled for July 14, 21 and 28, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is requested that those interested in attending, phone the church or email
July 18 the public is invited to participate in a Community Church Planning retreat facilitated by Episcopal Deacon Peggy Thompson, held at the Middletown Multi Use Room beginning with a potluck Lunch at 11 a.m., planning workshop at noon and concluding at 4 p.m.
Coming events scheduled at the church are a free community barbecue on July 25 and Vacation Bible School from July 27 through 31.
Sign up for these events at the church office during regular hours of Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pastor Voris Brumfield may be contacted at
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MIDDLETOWN – Middletown Community United Methodist Church is seeking musicians.
The church needs those who play guitar, keyboard and wind instruments who are available for the church's "New Life" services on Sundays at 10 a.m. and other opportunities to share music.
Newly named Pastor Voris Brumfield said the church's intent is to use a variety of styles of music: new age, jazz, blues, rock, classical, traditional religious, country and original. The music should evoke connection with life, issues, spirit of love and relationships. Sight reading is not necessary.
They have many options for those interested in sharing and providing music: one time only special music for a service; once a month (regular); twice a month (relationship); even once every other month (special music); accompany singers; accompanist for rehearsals for Renaissance Pageant (July through November weekly)
Compensation will be confirmed based upon frequency and after review. CD, YouTube, tape examples of music, or audition and interview will be arranged.
Anyone who has an interest in sharing their musical gifts with a growing faith community is asked to contacted Brumfield at 707-355-0602.
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MIDDLETOWN – California Nevada United Methodist Bishop Warner Brown has assigned Voris Brumfield to Pastor the Middletown Community United Methodist Church for the next 12 months effective July 1.
Brumfield, a Middletown resident for 34 years, has been an active member of the Methodist Church for 31 years and completed the Conference Lay Minister (CLayM) training at the California-Nevada Methodist Center West Sacramento in January.
“Though it is unusual to appoint a CLay pastor their home church, Bishop Brown feels Voris has demonstrated genuine gifts and graces which will allow her to effectively serve the Middletown community as a disciple of Jesus Christ,” stated Rev. Dr. Ben Silva-Netto, the Shasta District superintendent.
Brumfield said, “When asked to consider the Conference Lay Minister training in July of 2008, I felt called to do so. The relationships nurtured in the Christian community at the Methodist church have been a support during the time of loss and transitions and also offered me opportunities to use my talents as a writer and a director. I know I am a beloved child of God and wish to share that news with our community.”
The Methodist denomination practices open doors, open hearts, open minds and all members of the community are invited to participate in the "New Life" services Sunday at 10 am followed by fellowship hour with refreshments. This Sunday and all first Sundays a community potluck dinner is served after the service.
CLay Ministers serve without salary and are expected to be self sufficient. Brumfield is employed by the county as code enforcement manager and will continue in that position.
“This is a great honor to share my faith and reach out to our community in new ways with the spirit of God,” she said.
“Bishop Brown recently wrote, ‘I want Methodists to Rethink Church. Not in terms of what it is, but of what it can be,” said Brumfield.
“Yes, ’Rethink Church,’ share the love of God, be of service to those in need. This is what our community needs and Methodism offers.”
Voris Brumfield may be contacted at
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CLEARLAKE – Praises of Zion Baptist Church will officially install its new pastor at a special Sunday ceremony.
The official investiture ceremony for Senior Pastor Rev. Jonathan L. Green will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at First Baptist Church, 14500 Pearl Ave., Clearlake. Rev. Larry Fanning is the host pastor.
The church welcomes the community to an evening of love and fellowship.
The event also will be an opportunity to introduce him to the community, as he has a desire to work hand-in-hand with community leaders to help bring the people of Lake County together in prayer, education, employment and general living conditions.
In January, Rev. Green received a call to meet with the church congregation. At that time he was elected to pastor. He gave his first sermon as pastor on March 1.
The grandson of a gospel preacher, Rev. Green is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in San Leandro and raised in Oakland, he is the second of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Green.
In his early childhood Rev. Green attended the Calvary Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of his beloved grandfather, Bishop Lafar Johnson.
With the gentle guidance of his fathers and grandfathers he began studying music. He excelled at music, and became a sought-after musician who has played for numerous churches and choirs.
Green received his call into the ministry many year ago, but it was not until June 2003 that he accepted the calling upon his life. In August 2003, Rev. Green preached his first sermon at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Richmond, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. J.R. Spearman.
Understanding a call to the ministry is a call to preparation, Rev. Green attended the LEAD School which is an extension program of Golden Gate Theological Seminary. He has continued his education endeavors and is currently matriculating at the Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Wash. He will receive his master's degree in divinity in the fall 2009.
He is married to the former Lori Fairley Middlebrooks. Together they are the proud parents of Alexandria Marie, Madilyn Ann Denise and Jocelyn Ann Marie.
Praises of Zion Baptist Church is located at 3890 Emile Ave., Clearlake, telephone 707-995-1319 or online at www.praisesofzion.org .