TGM Special Edition Print Version

ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Volume 5 | Issue 1 | June/July 2018

A Letter from the TGM Staff
30 years of ministry - now that is a milestone that is to be recognized! Bishop Owens has
always preached that numbers have significance to God and 30 is one of those special
numbers that He holds dear to His heart. From John the Baptist’s dispensational change, to
Joseph being placed in charge over Egypt by Pharaoh, 30 is a year that God uses mightily.
Even for the Aaronic priests, 30 is a “coming of age” year where they are dedicated to serve
because they are deemed to have reached mental and physical maturity to handle the major
responsibilities of their roles. It is a spiritual age of importance and commitment to ministry
- the greatest example of this being our Lord and Savior, who began to publicly preach the
gospel when He reached this noteworthy age (Luke 3:23).
And now, Immanuel’s Temple Systems of Church has entered into their 30th year of
ministry! Truly walking in the meaning of their namesake, Immanuel - God With Us, TGM
is honored to partake in celebrating three decades of faith-filled ministry where God’s
very best is yet to be revealed. Pastor, Bishop Phillip E. Owens, D.D., and his beautiful
wife, Elect Lady Patricia A. Owens, D.D., has lead this ministry in a loving, family-friendly
environment where righteousness, holiness, and biblical principles are preached and
demonstrated daily. From the first minute to the last, coming to ITSC feels like coming
home. As Elect Lady Owens has been coined to say, “You will not leave here the same way
that you came, in Jesus’ name!”
So what does that mean for you the reader? It means that you are cordially invited to this
momentous celebration! This edition will be a peek into the amazing things that God has
done for a ministry and leadership that has yielded to His will and His way. Be inspired as
you witness how much the love of Christ can permeate over decades upon those whom He
loves. And lastly, get involved so that you don’t miss out on the amazing blessings that He
has just for you. Oh yes, it is truly a wonderful time for a celebration!
Sincerely,
The Gathering Magazine Staff
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Table of Contents
4
8
9
10
12
14
Exclusive Interview
a look back on 30 years of ministry (part 1)
Creative Writing
Ready, Set, Lift Off
Music & Entertainment
The 30 Year Old Gospel Music Time Capsule
Kids & Family
Around the World With ITSC
Finance
Where There Is No Budget, The Finances Perish...
Spotlight on ITSC
did you know that...?
Copyright © 2018 by The Gathering-Everything Pertaining to Life and Godliness. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
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The Gathering-Everything Pertaining to Life and Godliness.
The views expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or
opinions of The Gathering-Everything Pertaining to Life and Godliness
or the organization by who the authors are employed.
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A Look Back On 30
Years of Ministry (part 1)
With Bishop Phillip E. Owens, D.D. and Elect Lady Patricia A. Owens, D.D
Co-founders and visionaries, Bishop Phillip E. Owens and Elect Lady Patricia A. Owens give God all the praise as
they glance into their past as the leadership of Immanuel’s Temple Systems of Church. They discuss their exciting
30th church anniversary in addition to family, marriage, the state of the church, and more in this exciting two-part
interview series. Let’s tune in!
30 years of ministry - what does that mean for you both as Leaders?
EL: God bless you all and to the saints and to the TV audience! I would say, what 30 years means to me is 30
years of endeavoring to do the will of God. It has been our utmost desire to hear from God, walk out
the plan of God, and do it to edify the body of Christ as well as being pleasing in the sight of God.
B: I agree. Thirty years of ministry is 30 years of the test of being obedient and faithful. It is not the
accomplishment of building buildings; it is the accomplishment of obeying God. Whether it is to
build a building, whether it is to be on a television program, whether it is to teach or to preach or
to set up prayer meetings, or whether it is to baptize. It simply is to obey God and to be faithful.
What is the significance of this anniversary, especially in the current climate and
state of the church universal?
EL: Sometimes we say it is time for a change and then there are other times where a change is necessary. It
is a needed change. The fact that Jesus - at the age of 30 - His whole ministry and purpose began to be
established. When it came to Joseph - at the age of 30 - His whole purpose began to be established. So I
think out of all the work that we have done, a need for a change is inevitable now. I think these 30 years is
going to represent what we are fully called to do and the change that is definitely needed for this time.
B: I think 30 years is like a deposit on the fact that Jesus said, “...and upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mat 16:18). As we stated before, that God
graced us to be faithful and obedient on one hand, but the second hand it is a testimony in this season
to have lasted 30 years that Satan could not prevail against us (and certainly he has tried hard).
How did you feel as a young family when you opened Immanuel’s Temple Community
Church for the very first service on June 5, 1988?
EL: Excited and fearful at the same time (chuckle). Excited for what God was going to do, but
fearful to step into something that we have never done before, and yet trusting God.
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B: She took the words right out of my mouth - it is very exciting but also it was the fulfilling of the
expectation of what God wants to do with people (just seeing God start something in your life).
What words of wisdom would you tell a young pastor or first lady starting off in a
new church?
EL: Stay focused and don’t vary from what you have been called to do.
B: It is nothing you can write a book on how to do because every ministry is unique and
every ministry may have a different work. Stay focused and obey God.
What is your favorite ITSC church family moment?
EL: There are so many of them! One of my favorite is when we transitioned from Lansing to Las Vegas.
B: I would say watching the Temple go up.
If you could choose just one defining moment for ITSC, what would it be?
EL: Coming here to Vegas was definitely a defining moment. Another defining moment was
when you [Bishop] walked away from your job. He walked away from his job and we
decided to just believe God 100% with no income coming from anywhere.
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B: When we started to travel abroad - going to the Holy Land and Rome and different
places – was a defining moment of the vision being a global ministry.
What adjective would best describe your journey over these 30 years?
EL: Faithfulness.
B: Anointing. I would say the anointing and being anointed.
Where do you see the ministry going in the next 30 years and beyond?
EL: Wow! Well if the rapture doesn’t come first, I pray that we will be a voice to the church and
hopefully be able to bring the church back to stability and to its true call and purpose.
B: I would say about the same – in the next 30 years I see the ministry going into what is called “high places” (Eph
6:12). I think there are high places that God is going to pull down with this ministry. High places in churches
(and I mean their governmental structure), high places in nations and to impact people that run nations.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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eady, set, lift off
written by danielle proctor
A poem about ITSC and Bishop & Elect Lady Owens,
two prophets who are truly led by the ordinances of
God in these end times.
Darkness grew beneath the shell of life
The Father knew the strain of not having the light
His love for mankind so strong.
He spoke to many who were chosen,
To bring His church to a place
Where only He had their affection, adoration and their love
Time continued to flow, darkness changed its form
Shape shifting into anything that would be like God.
The Father knew it was almost a new season,
So He called two, separately first; and then together.
Their hearts so similar to David’s
Faith unshakeable as Abraham’s
Boldness as blunt as Elisha, the prophet’s.
So in 1988 in a living room, four represented the sprout
Of a tree planted carefully.
From there the growing continues to proceed.
Year after year God showed Himself strong.
Those two chosen vessels whose hearts were one
Trusted in His Word,
The Darkness in new form tried to uproot the deeply
planted tree;
Yet God smiled at its attempts to destroy His plan.
“One man, one woman, two prophets who love me, is
enough to pierce the darkness in the end,” God thought
The new season quickly approached
Darkness was made beautiful
But the prophets saw through the mirage
Crying aloud in the valley
For God’s church to see the signs
As the tree continued to climb.
Soon it had been thirty years that tree continued to grow,
Till it reached the height of a new plateau.
When God spoke, the results were immediate
Now those prophets who began the sprout of the tree
quickly noticed the canopy,
Of the Vision only God could give.
On that new plateau silhouetted by God’s light
Those in the midst of darkness saw
Many sought to be free
Through the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost.
Darkness was pierced through and through
Many souls ran from what they once knew.
The voice of those prophets crying aloud still with the
truth
Making God smile
As He prepared all He had for them to do.
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The
30 Year Old
Gospel Music
Time Capsule
written by samantha sims
30 years ago, the late Walter Hawkins was on Billboard Gospel Albums chart #1 position with “Love
Alive III.” The album went on to sell over 1 million copies, won two Dove Awards, and it was nominated
for a Grammy.
The album introduced Yvette Flunder and Brenda Roy and Yvette MCing the recording. The singles
released off the albums include the hits “When the Battle is Over” (featuring LaWanda Scroggins), the
smash “I Love You” featuring Yvette, “He’ll Bring You Out” and the defining song in Lynette’s career,
“There’s A War Going On”. The album ends with Brenda Roy singing everyone’s anthem “Is There Any
Way” (covered by Tramaine and Donnie McClurkin on the first The McClurkin Project).
While the opened time capsule has caused a walk down memory lane, it is hard to leave out Walter
Hawkins’ visit to Immanuel’s Temple. What an amazing opportunity to have the entire church choir sing
along with a certified gospel legend. It makes sense for this musical memory to line up with our church’s
30th Anniversary. In the words of Walter, “Thank you Lord for all You’ve done for me”. The “me” definitely
represents the remnant within I.T.S.C.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye
thankful.” (Col 3:15)
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SEA; PALMA DE MALLORCA - THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE SPANISH ISLAND, MALLORCA; PISA - ITS LEANING TOWER HAS MADE THIS ITALIAN CITY FAMOUS; NAPLES - PIZZA WAS INVENTED IN THIS COASTAL ITALIAN CITY; ROME - THE ITALIAN CAPITAL FAMOUS FOR ITS
RENAISSANCE ART AND INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECTURE; HAWAII - THE 50TH STATE OF THE U.S. AND ONLY STATE COMPRISED ENTIRELY OF ISLANDS; WISCONSIN - THIS STATE IS KNOWN AS AMERICA’S DAIRYLAND WITH A CAPITAL CITY OF MADISON; UTAH - THIS STATE
FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS; BELIZE - THE MAYA WERE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THIS CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRY; COZUMEL - THIS CARIBBEAN ISLAND BELONGS TO MEXICO; ISRAEL - THIS HOLY NATION IS HOME TO GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE AND IS
THE BIRTHPLACE AND BURIAL SITE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR; MARSEILLES - THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN FRANCE LOCATED ON THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST; BARCELONA - THIS HISTORICAL SPANISH CITY IS THE LARGEST METROPOLIS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN
LAST OF THE 13 ORIGINAL COLONIES AND ITS CAPITAL CITY IS ATLANTA; CALIFORNIA - THE MOST POPULOUS STATE IN THE U.S. FAMOUS FOR THE FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY; ARIZONA - THE SIXTH LARGEST STATE IN THE U.S. WHOSE CAPITAL CITY IS PHOENIX;
BAHAMAS - THIS COUNTRY IS COMPRISED OF OVER 700 ISLANDS; SAINT THOMAS - FOUNDED BY THE DANISH IN THE 1600S, THIS ISLAND IS THE GATEWAY ISLE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS; SAINT MARTIN - THIS ISLAND IS COMPRISED OF TWO COUNTRIES:
ANSWERS: ONTARIO - CANADA’S SECOND LARGEST PROVINCE THAT IS ALSO ITS MOST POPULOUS PROVINCE; MICHIGAN - THE HOME STATE OF BISHOP OWENS AND ITSC, ALSO KNOWN AS THE GREAT LAKES STATE; OHIO - COLUMBUS IS THE CAPITAL OF THIS STATE
WHICH TAKES ITS NAME FROM ITS “GREAT RIVER”; INDIANA - THE HOME STATE OF ELECT LADY OWENS THAT IS ALSO FAMOUS FOR ITS WORLD-CLASS RACE TRACK; FLORIDA - THIS STATE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS ALLIGATORS AND ITS MOUSE; GEORGIA - THIS STATE IS THE
Around the World with ITSC
Written by Cecile Gilbert
In the past 30 years, Immanuel’s Temple has certainly accumulated major mileage through all of the travels and
missions God has graced us to embark upon! Using the map and clues given, complete the crossword puzzle to
take a journey around the world with ITSC! Next, have some fun a and dream big by using the stickers provided
to mark additional places on the map where you believe God will take ITSC next!
ACROSS
4. The home state of Elect Lady Owens that is also famous for its world-class race track
5. ITSC exodused to this western state, officially known as the Silver State, in 2007
8. This state is the last of the 13 original colonies and its capital city is Atlanta
13. The capital city of the Spanish island, Mallorca
16. This holy nation is home to God’s chosen people and is the birthplace and burial site of our
Lord and Savior
18. Its leaning tower has made this Italian city famous
19. This state is known as America’s Dairyland with a capital city of Madison
21. The most populous state in the U.S. famous for the film and entertainment industry
23. Pizza was invented in this coastal Italian city
DOWN
1. The home state of Bishop Owens and ITSC, also known as the Great Lakes State
2. This state boasts of its diverse landscape and its capital city is Salt Lake City
3. Canada’s second largest province that is also its most populous province
6. The second largest city in France located on the Mediterranean coast
7. This Caribbean island belongs to Mexico
9. This island is comprised of two countries: France and The Netherlands
10. This historical Spanish city is the largest Metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea
11. The 50th State of the U.S. and only state comprised of entirely of islands
12. This country is comprised of over 700 islands
14. Columbus is the capital of this state which takes its name from its “great river”
15. This state is famous for its alligators and its mouse
17. The Maya were the first people to develop this Central American country
20. The Italian capital famous is for its Renaissance art and influential architecture
22. The sixth largest state in the U.S. whose capital city is Phoenix
24. This island was founded by the Danish in the 1600s and is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands
BOASTS OF ITS DIVERSE LANDSCAPE AND ITS CAPITAL CITY IS SALT LAKE CITY; NEVADA - ITSC’S EXODUS TO THIS WESTERN STATE, OFFICIALLY KNOWN AS THE SILVER STATE, IN 2007.
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Where There Is No Budget,
The Finances Perish…
Written by Jonathan Dalton
It would be essential for any incoming college
freshman to take the time to plan out the classes that
they will need to graduate. Whether meeting with
an advisor, browsing curriculum requirements or
pamphlets, these are prudent steps that will ensure
the student will achieve their goals and receive their
degree. Finances are the same way. Planning is a
necessity for anyone who wants to have his or her
money in order.
The financial authority King Solomon wrote, “Where
there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov 29:18
KJV). This scripture also correlates how "where there
is no budget or plan with an individual’s money, their
finances will perish too." The Christian author John
Maxwell put it this way: “A budget is people telling
their money what to do instead of wondering where
it went.” The concept is critical; but fortunately, it is
also quite simple.
Everybody should have a written monthly budget. It
could be as simple as a note card or sheet of paper
with one column reflecting income and a second
reflecting expenses. For the smartphone savvy, it
could be done on a free app such as the EveryDollar
Easy Budgeting App. A powerful complement to
the budget is the envelope system. Simply assign an
envelope with a predetermined amount of cash for
all the major budget items in a month (e.g. food, gas,
utilities). That way, once the cash is used up, there
is no way to go over the budget. This process can
take a little patience. It usually takes a good three
months before the right numbers and amounts are
established for expenditures.
Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a
tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost,
whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply,
after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able
to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Saying, This man began to build, and was not able
to finish” (Luk 28-30). There are many things in life
that require vision, goals, and planning. Finance, is
one of them. As Bishop Owens has said, the people
of GOD need to rule over their money, and not let
money rule over them.
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“As a father has compassion
on his children, so the LORD
has compassion on those who fear him:”
-Psalm 103:13
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SPOTLIGHT ON ITSC:
DID YOU KNOW THAT...?
Written by Aisha Bowen
Every year the ITSC ministry has reached new heights. Their achievements through God have no expiration date!
Living and experiencing each moment of this great ministry is priceless. Did you know that there are thousands of
events, level changes, special occasions, momentous prophetic words and countless sermons that have occurred
over the past 30 years of ministry? There are some moments we can try to relive, but for everything else, there’s
always our ability to never forget!
DID YOU KNOW?...
1. Bishop and Elect Lady facilitated Campus Ministry at MSU for 11.5 years
2. Foundational Studies began in Jan 1991
3. First 21-day consecration was in Jan 1992
4. Building fund raised first million in Dec 1992 (7 years prior to crossover)
5. Sept 1993 Elect Lady receives special word that she is now Prophetess
6. First teen/awards banquet in June 1995 (6 months later pre-teen ministry began)
7. On Sept 24th, 1995 Bishop announced Elect Lady is expecting!
8. In Nov 1995 Bishop gave a special word that God has called him to gather men ages 18-33 and call them
“Young Lions”
9. Summit 1996 Min Rachel preached first sermon: Shut Up and Let God Show Up
10. 1997 First Women’s Day aka “Hat Day” aka Day of Esther aka Day of Ruth
11. Daniel prayer was instituted Oct 6, 1996
12. Jan 2002 church receives Silver Award for design (3 years after the crossover)
13. During Year 15 of the ministry Bishop preached at TBN twice (California and Atlanta, GA) and blew the shofar
in St. Louis, MO)
14. Both Bishop and Elect Lady received Doctoral Degrees July 2005
15. June 2006 God changes our name from Immanuel’s Temple Community Church to Immanuel’s Temple
Systems of Church
16. Sept 2007 EXODUS Announcement
17. Sept 2008 ministry gains new Las Vegas Temple (2610 Fire Mesa)
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