THE INAUGURAL PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR PASTOR RAYMOND J. FORTE

THE
INAUGURAL
P A S T O R A L
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
PASTOR
RAYMOND FORTE
EBENEZER CHURCH PHX
7.14.23 | 7 PM
THE SANCTUARY PHX
302 N 29TH AVE | PHX 85017
THEME:
WE ARE
O N E

July 14, 2023
Dear Ebenezer Church PHX Family & Special Friends,
Warm Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I am delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you as we gather
together to celebrate the first anniversary of our church's ministry under my leadership. It is
with immense joy and gratitude that I reflect upon this past year and the incredible journey
we have embarked upon together.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each member of this
congregation for your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to the vision and
mission of our church. Your presence, participation, and willingness to serve have played a
vital role in the growth and success we have experienced over the past year.
As we gather to commemorate this significant milestone, let us take a moment to reflect on
the blessings we have received and the lives that have been transformed within our church
community. Together, we have experienced the power of God's grace, witnessed His
faithfulness, and embraced His love. Through our collective efforts, we have created an
environment where people feel welcomed, loved, and encouraged to grow in their faith.
This first anniversary service serves as a reminder of the incredible journey we have
embarked upon together and the impact we have made in our community. It is an
opportunity for us to celebrate the lives that have been touched, the relationships that have
been formed, and the countless moments of worship, fellowship, and growth we have
shared.
As we look forward to the future, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for all that lies
ahead. Together, let us continue to seek God's guidance, to serve with humility and love,
and to share the message of hope and salvation with those around us. May this anniversary
service be a reminder of our deep commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and
making disciples of all nations.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to each member of our congregation, as well as any
guests who may be joining us on this special occasion. May our hearts be filled with
gratitude and praise as we gather together to celebrate, worship, and honor our Lord on
this significant milestone.
May God continue to bless us abundantly as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
In
Raymond
His Service,
Forte
Pastor Raymond Forte

July 13, 2023
Greetings to you my brothers and sisters in Christ!
We are so excited to have you join Pastor Raymond
Forte and the Ebenezer Church PHX for this evening's
celebration!
As Director of Events, please allow me to take this opportunity to thank our heavenly
Father for the wonderful opportunity that we have been granted to congregate for this
occasion. We have come from near and far and I would like to extend a heartfelt
welcome and an offering of gratitude for you making time to be with us. I have
personally watched and witnessed Pastor Forte push pass the barriers of mediocracy
and "press toward the mark of the high calling". to bring this event to fruition and I have
no doubt that "you will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.."
We are both pleased and honored to have Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr., with us to bring forth a
Word that moves this vision forward. His life and ministry are blessed and favored
beyond measure and no one is more befitting to bless us with the God sent message that
he will deliver and to pour into Pastor Forte on this evening.
Thank you again for joining us and please continue to pray mightily for Pastor Forte as he
continues to do the work of the Lord. I believe the Bible is clear in encouraging us to
show our love and appreciation to Pastor Forte as he continues to labor so faithfully for
the Lord.. The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine.” And it is so!
God bless,
Leslie Swann
Leslie Swann (Celebrate You)
Director of Events.
2

Rep. Analise Ortiz
1700 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona
Analise.ortiz@azleg.gov
July 3, 2023
3
Dear Pastor Raymond Forte,
Congratulations on completing your first year of pastoral ministry at Ebenezer Church PHX! I
want to extend a heartfelt congratulations for the dedication, commitment, and remarkable
service you have shown to our community.
Over the past year, your leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of the congregation
at Ebenezer Church PHX. Your compassionate nature and unwavering faith have been a
source of inspiration to all those who have had the privilege of attending your services and
being part of your ministry.
Your sermons have been enlightening, thought-provoking, and spiritually uplifting. Your ability
to connect with individuals from all walks of life and deliver messages that resonate deeply
within their hearts is truly remarkable. Your commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of
the congregation, providing guidance, and fostering a sense of community is commendable.
Not only have you excelled in your pastoral duties, but you have also demonstrated
exceptional leadership skills. Your ability to empower and equip others to serve has resulted in
the growth and development of various ministries within the church. Your genuine care for the
well-being of each member of the congregation has created a warm and welcoming
environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
As you reflect on this first year of ministry, I hope you find great joy and satisfaction in all that
has been accomplished. Know that your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives
of many, and the positive impact of your ministry will continue to resonate for years to come.
Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. I look forward to witnessing the
continued growth and success of your ministry at Ebenezer Church PHX.
In solidarity,
Analise Ortiz
Rep. Analise Ortiz
Arizona House of Representatives
Legislative District 24

THE
INAUGURAL PASTORAL
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
FOR
PASTOR
RAYMOND FORTE
EBENEZER CHURCH PHX
THE SANCTUARY PHX
302 N 29TH AVE | PHX 85017
07.14.23 | 7:00 PM
PROGRAM
Bishop Elliot Sommerville, Presiding
Opening Prayer ...................................................
Praise and Worship ..............................................
Welcome .............................................................
Sermonic Selection ..............................................
The Preached Word .............................................
Invitation to Discipleship .....................................
Remarks & Acknowledgements ............................
Benediction ..............................................................
Bishop Elliott Sommerville
Evangelist Sarah Mabry
and Ebenezer Church PHX Praise Team
Reverend Nikki Bagley
Song .................................................................... Evangelist Sarah Mabry
and Ebenezer Church PHX Praise Team
.
Offering ............................................................... Overseer Brian Wright
The Citadel of Praise Christian Church | Peoria & Buckeye, AZ
Introduction of Speaker ........................................ Pastor Raymond Forte
Pastor Denard Street
Heart of Worship Ministries | Mesa, AZ
Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr
Senior Pastor/Teacher
The House of Hope ATL | The House of Hope Macon | The House of Hope WestPointe
Pastor Raymond Forte
Sister Leslie Swann
Program Chair
Pastor Raymond Forte
Pastor Raymond Forte
4

T H E H O N O R E E
PASTOR RAYMOND FORTE
Raymond Forte is a preacher & teacher of God's
Word and a multi-talented singer, musician,
author, blogger, and entrepreneur. He is the
founder and sole proprietor of Raymond Forte
Enterprises, LLC. A for-profit enterprise
specializing in music, media, & ministry was
established in October 2019 & is based in
Phoenix, Arizona. He is also a published author
of his first book, "Maximizing MENtally," a book
that addresses the mental health crisis for men
and the women who love them.
On November 30th, 2021, Pastor Forte was
appointed as the 2nd pastor of Ebenezer
Church PHX in Phoenix, AZ, succeeding the
founding pastor, Rev. Redeem Robinson.
Ebenezer Church PHX, founded in September 2019, is an
affirming church that is inclusive in reach, advocating for justice,
and charismatic in our worship experience, whose mission is to be a
haven of worship to everyone, meeting every 3rd Sunday virtually.
5
An accomplished musician, Raymond served as Music Director for
The Citadel of Praise Christian Church in Buckeye and Peoria, AZ,
under the leadership of Pastor Brian A. Wright from June 2019 until
June 2023. Pastor Forte is also pursuing his Bachelor of Science with
an emphasis in Information System Security at Point University, to be
completed in 2025. Lastly, he is the proud father of David Justice
Solomon Gladney-Forte.

T H E M E S S E N G E R
PASTOR E. DEWEY SMITH, JR.
Dr. E. Dewey Smith is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of
Hope Atlanta, The House of Hope Macon, and The House of Hope
WestPointe – one church in three locations - with a membership
roll of more than 10,000. A proud native of Macon, GA, he has
been a minister of the gospel for more than 30 years. He
commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoral
ministry at 19.
Smith is a learned man. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree
from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, GA; graduated Magna Cum
Laude with a Master of Science degree from Amridge University
in Montgomery, AL; and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from
the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. He was inducted
into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse
College as a “Distinguished Preacher.”
Smith has always had a passion to redress those things that plague the
community and burden the people he serves. Throughout his ministry
he has been heavily involved in prison reform, re-entry programs, human
services and community development. He opened The Haven House,
a fully staffed, professional and licensed counseling center to address
the emotional and mental health concerns of people in the community.
In 2013, Dr. Smith launched The Tabitha’s House, a non-profit
organization that provides housing, counseling and support to
young girls rescued from human trafficking.
Smith is also professionally involved in music, media, film and television
production. He launched “The Hope TV Network” in 2020, and its
programs have received over 300 million views and 22 prestigious
Telly Awards. In October of 2021, Smith released his first solo
project, “God Period,” under his record label, Pebble Street Records.
“God Period” was named one of the top albums of 2021 by Billboard, and
his first single, “Your Presence Is A Gift,” scored #1 on the Billboard Gospel
Airplay Charts. He is a 2022 Stellar Award winning solo artist and two-time Dove Awards solo
artist nominee.
Additionally, Smith is the Founder/Overseer of the Ambassadors Assembly Network, a
fellowship of hundreds of pastors and leaders from across the globe. Ambassadors Assembly is
an ecumenical fellowship that provides ministry oversight, comprehensive ministry strategies
and para-church support to churches and leaders throughout the world.
Dr. Smith is married to the lovely, former Andrea Fambro, his best friend of over 30 years. They
have been blessed with two sons: Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah.
6

PASTOR FORTE
FROM
Evangelist
NICOLE WINSTON-HOWELL
CONSULTANT
7
US
on FaceBook Live
for my virtual parties!
It's all about
JEWELRY & JESUS!
@NICOLEHOWELL

Congratulations, Pastor Raymond Forte!
Wishing you many years of powerful impact
in your community!!!!
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Congratulations Pastor Forte!
On a successful and blessed first year of pastoring!
Continue to speak life to God's people!
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Proverbs 18:21
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Congratulations
Pastor Raymond Forte
On n Your 1st Year Anniversary!
THE CHESTER FAMILY
You have excellence in
your blood!
"But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who
fear him, and his righteousness with
their children’s children—"
Psalms 103:17
FAMILY
LEGACY
OF FAITH
10

on Your First Year
Anniversary!
11
Samuel & Fairella Cook
Great Aunt & Uncle
Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing
the Word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
6

5
12

13
Congratulations
Pastor Raymond Forte
on your
1st Year Pastor Anniversary!
Paw Paw Lloyd & Nana Opal
The Mr. & Mrs.
Lloyd Cunningham, Sr.
Great Grandparents
Angels Are
Watching
Over You!

Congratulations!
To Our Beloved Grandson
PASTOR
RAYMOND FORTE
On Your Pastoral First Anniversary!
Three Generations in Ministry
5
Poppy & Maw Maw
Mr. Lloyd Cunningham, Jr. & Rev. Sandie Cunningham
We're So Proud of You!
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your
sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your
old men will dream dreams."
Acts 2:17
14

Congratulations Pastor Forte!
Dedicated
to
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Dedicated
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15
Archie Emerson
Broker/Owner
HUD Certified Housing Counselor

Congratulations!
Wishing
Pastor Raymond "Justin" Forte
Happy 1st Pastoral
5
Anniversary!
May the Blessings of
God Be With You
Today and Always!
Bishop Alfred &
Pastor Jacqueline
Francois
The Church of God For All Nations, Inc.
2295 Bouldercrest Road SE | Atlanta, GA 30316
Morning Worship - Sundays: 11:00 am
Prayer Line - Wednesday: 6:30 pm
Call in number 978.990.5000
Access Code 487321
Food Pantry - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays monthly 16

17
Pastor Raymond J. Forte
On a successful first year
of Pastorship!
We're proud of you nephew!
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great
patience and instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2
THE DIXON FAMILY

Congratulations
PASTOR RAYMOND FORTE
on your
1st Anniversary!
5
God has a vision for you that is greater than
what we can see!
Sending our love and best wishes to you!
From our hearts to yours,
The Gonzales's
Auntie Lou, Arnold, Janel, Jasmine Kailu, Travionne Sr.,
Kailynn, Cali'Rae, Heiress, & Travionne, Jr
18

CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR FORTE!
6
Many Hands - One Mission
Our Mission
Our Goal
Our Core
Objective
Our Motto
To enhance the professional and business conditions of NAREB® Realtist®
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Democracy in Housing
19
Archie Emerson
EBR President
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Tori Nunley
Congratulations
Pastor Raymond Forte
on your 1st year anniversary!
Michele Calloway
Sharon Henry
exitrealtyqualitysolutions.com
EXIT REALTY QUALITY SOLUTIONS
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770-672-6069
20

Congratulations Son!
On Your 1st Year Anniversary!
So many memories and thoughts flood my mind
on this wonderfully blessed occasion but more
anything I want you to always remember that
"You Were Born For This!"
Mom
We love you bruh!
Jeriah, Jared & Jordan
We love you Uncle Justin!
DJ, Ziel, Jeriah, Jr., Payton, Javion,
Myla, Jahniah, Jayce & Rahjah
21
"Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed
you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I
consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5

Congratulations
PASTOR FORTE!
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22

From Mt. Zion AME to
Ebenezer Phoenix
Grandaddy Ro &
Grandmomma Eula Mae
Mr. & Mrs. Rochelle Gonzales
Great Grandparents
We built Mt. Zion with
our hands,
You build Ebenezer with
your heart!
Congratulations
On Your First Year
of Pastorship!
Keep Building!
23
6

“Be strong and brave, for
you will be a successful
leader of my people…”
Joshua 1:6
The Living Bible Translation
Congratulations on your
one year milestone. From
the entire LR TEAM,
my husband and I,
may you continue
to press forward.
Tera Carissa
Hodges
24

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25
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Congratulations
PASTOR FORTE
PASTOR JONATHAN F. LOWDER
MT. ZION
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
@zionmission15
26

Congratulations Nephew!
We're so proud of you and
celebrate your first year of
Pastorship with you!
Uncle Ted & Aunt Dawn
Theodore & Dawn
Adams
Servicing a
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27
6

Congratulations
Pastor Forte!
Praise God you made it through the first year!
May God continue to bless your ministry! Keep the faith!
Matthew 17:20-21
The Macon County Mustard Seed Mommas
Pray For You Continually!
Macon County Mustard Seed Mommas:
Jill Harrison, Cussetta Journey, Denise Anderson, Phyllis Smith,
Karen Keene, Clara Hill, Elaine Taylor, Dorothy Greer
28

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29
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30

Congratulations
Pastor Raymond Justin Forte
on one year of Pastorship!
Your childhood
church family is very
proud of you!
Melvyn D Huguely, Pastor
St Paul AME Church
11 W Center St
London, OH 43140
31
"Do not despise these
small beginnings, for
the Lord rejoices to see
the work begin....."
Zechariah 4:10

Congratulations
Pastor Forte!! From: Decaon Keith and Rev. Dr. Alicia Simpson
Pastor Forte!!
Decaon Keith and Rev. Dr. Alicia Simpson
32

Congratulations and many blessings be upon you
and your ministry!
With love,
Pastor Denard & Prophetess Ashley Street
33

CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR RAYMOND FORTE!
34

35

ongratulations PASTOR
F O R T E
36

CONGRATULATIONS
PASTOR FORTE!
37

Y E A R I N R E V I E W
38

W
A Y B A C K W H E
N
39

TO BE THE CORNERSTONE OF HELP TO THE COMMUNITY BY
HEALING THE HURTING, DIRECTING THE HELPLESS, AND
RESTORING THE HOPELESS IN THE CITY OF PHOENIX AND BEYOND.
MEETING EVERY 2ND & 4TH SUNDAY
Starting August 2023
602.935.8383
ebenezerphx@gmail.com
@EbenezerPHX/
@ebenezerchurchphx
DONATE AT:
CASHAPP: $WEAREEBENEZERPHX
CHECK MONEY ORDER MADE TO: EBENEZER CHURCH PHX
ZELLE: EBENEZERPHX@GMAIL.COM
ONLINE: WWW.EBENEZERCHURCHPHX.ORG
ebenezerchurchphx.org

PASTOR RAYMOND FORTE
AND THE
EBENEZER CHURCH PHX FAMILY
WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS
INAUGURAL PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
A HUGE SUCCESS!
PASTOR JACK SPENCER &THE SANCTUARY PHX
DR E. DEWEY SMITH, JR. & THE HOUSE OF HOPE
ATLANTA CHURCH FAMILY
BISHOP ELLIOTT SOMMERVILLE
PASTOR DENARD STREET
EVANGELIST SARAH MABRY
OVERSEER BRIAN WRIGHT & CITADEL OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
KODAK NINJA PHOTOGRAPHY
REVEREND NIKKI BAGLEY
LLOYD ROCHELLE MARKETING & CONSULTANTS
SISTER LESLIE SWANN
ALL FAMILY & EXTENDED FAMILY
SISTER DELEAL GLADNEY BROWN
EVERY SOUVENIR JOURNAL ADVERTISER
AND YOU!
GOD BLESS & WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!