Thousands attend COGIC’s Christmas in November giveaway

by: Quametra Wilborn

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Next week, more than 30,000 members are expected to be in Memphis for the Church of God in Christ’s 116th Holy Convocation.

To kick things off, the Church hosted a massive city-wide giveaway Saturday morning called “Christmas in November” in southeast Memphis.

“We want to have a big impact on the city of Memphis while we came here for the convention,” said General Board member and coordinator Bishop Brandon B. Porter.

Bishop Porter of Greater Community Temple Church of God in Christ said the giveaway is a kickoff to the denomination’s 116th Holy Convocation that more than 30,000 people are expected to attend.

“We even got volunteers from COGIC here that came in early from Connecticut, Alabama and various places,” Porter said.

“We prepare for this year-round because as you can see it’s one of our ministries’ largest events,” Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Porter said.

“I just woke up and she told me to get dressed,” Williams said.

This mother said the event came right on time as she prepares for new beginnings.

“I’m finna be a grandma three times. Yes, November, December, and January,” participant Zaneka Cuble said. “So, I’m here to try to get stuff for my grandbabies and help my children out with the babies.”

Porter said the event is all about meeting the needs of the community.

“To see the thousands that are already here, that were here as early as six o’clock in the morning says to you that there is a great need in the city of Memphis,” Porter said. “There’s a food desert. There’s all kinds of health issues and so we’re trying to make accommodations. Ministry is finding a need and meeting it.”

COGIC’s Convocation starts Tuesday and runs through November 12.