Dear brothers and sisters,

Welcome to the Atlanta Church & Dallas Church United Pentecost Retreat!

We are so thankful that you are joining us for this special time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Over these three days—from June 6 to June 8—we gather in unity to remember and celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost, and to seek a deeper encounter with God together.

This retreat is an opportunity to slow down, draw near to the Lord, and grow in His Word and presence. Through praise, Bible studies, prayer, reflection, and joyful fellowship, we hope each of you will be refreshed and empowered to live out your faith boldly.

Let us open our hearts fully to what the Lord wants to do in and through us. May the Holy Spirit fill this retreat with grace, joy, and revival.

With love in Christ

Atlanta Church & Dallas Church United Pentecost Retreat Schedule 

June 6 

6:00-7:30 PM Praise Night 

June 7

10:00-11:00 AM Bible Study 1 

11:30-12:30 PM Bible Study 2

• Lunch Fellowship 

2:30-4:30 PM Prayer Meeting 

4:45-6:30 PM Movie Time 

• Dinner Fellowship 

June 8

11:00 AM -12:30 PM Pentecost Sunday 

12:30-1:00 PM Prayer Meeting 

• Group Photo
• Reflection Fellowship 
• Lunch Fellowship 

The message resonated deeply, encouraging reflection on the many blessings God has bestowed upon the congregation. It was a time to recognize His faithfulness and to express heartfelt thanks, both individually and as a church family.

Following the service, attendees gathered for a festive Thanksgiving dinner. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and joy as members of all ages shared stories, meals, and moments of connection. The delicious food and cheerful conversations extended late into the evening, with the celebration continuing until 10 PM. The dinner provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds and nurture the sense of community within the church.

This Thanksgiving event was a beautiful reminder of the blessings of fellowship and the joy of giving thanks. As we look ahead, may God continue to bless Atlanta

A special highlight of the evening was the attendance of a newcomer from Georgia State University (GSU), who joined after participating in the day’s campus Bible study. This addition brought fresh energy to the gathering.

Earlier in the day, Pastor Thomas had conducted two Bible studies—one at GSU and the other at the Atlanta University Center (AUC)—fostering a sense of community and encouraging spiritual growth among students. The praise night served as a wonderful culmination of these efforts, uniting attendees in worship and fellowship, and demonstrating the church’s commitment to engaging with the campus community. It was an uplifting experience that left everyone feeling inspired and connected.

The gathering concluded with a fervent prayer for the Atlanta mission, invoking the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit. May this spiritual reinforcement fortify their resolve and commitment to spreading God’s message of love and hope. The service not only served as a source of spiritual nourishment but also as a reminder of the enduring faith that sustains believers through challenging times. As they departed, hearts and minds were uplifted, carrying with them a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to their collective mission.

The church expressed gratitude for the breakthrough and attributed all glory to God alone for the growing interest in their outreach efforts. They remained committed to spreading the message of faith and hope, believing that through their collective efforts and God’s grace, more lives would be transformed. The enthusiasm and dedication of the church members underscored their deep faith and commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission, trusting that God would continue to bless their endeavors and bring forth a bountiful harvest of souls.

On March 1, southeast regional retreat from February 29-March 1 concluded with the Sunday and Closing Service based on Matthew 13: 24－33, 36－43. Pastor Thomas preached a sermon regarding the parable of the Kingdom of God.

The beautiful original Kingdom of God, the garden of Eden was lost because of the sin. Human beings become a combination of good and evil. God does not give up on the dream of the Kingdom of God. Even though there are a lot of evilness and wickedness in this world, but God will surely restore this world to the original world of joy and peace again.

Now even though we are small, weak and insufficient, but when we hold on the faith to plant ourselves like a kernel of wheat, there will be many grains come out. We are not looking at our shabby reality and fall into despair, but God is the one who is leading the whole history and whole world. God will surely grow us to the biggest tree in the garden.

When we actively affect the people in the world like light and salt, God will do amazing work through us just like how the yeast change 60 lbs of flour.

Atlanta and Nashville leaders and members all meditate deeply about the Kingdom of God practically. We are the ones who should participate in the running together for the Kingdom of God. May God bless southeast region more and more to be fruitful in 2020.

Meeting at the church at 9pm, the Atlanta Bethel members joined together to end the year in the presence of God and begin anew soaked in the grace of a new year. Service began with an opening prayer by the Elim prayer minister. The Bethel praise team, minus one, sang to the Lord and led the members in an atmosphere of worship and thankfulness.

The praises lifted up in gratitude led to a time of testimony, where each member shared how God supplied and grew them throughout the year of 2019. The theme of each testimony seemed to ring the same, “Though there were hardships and times were our sins and insufficiencies were acutely visible, God’s faithfulness continued to hold us.” The members believe that though difficult these times came with a hope that God is preparing their hearts for an outpouring of great blessing within the new year.

The congregation went over their own top ten news and goals for next year. Beginning with Atlanta Bethel top ten news, each participating fellowship also had the chance to share what God has done and what they hope He’ll do in the future. After this, each person was tasked with writing their own top ten prayer request for 2020 and to pray over these requests.

During the New Year message, the members felt the importance of living a life of love; being fruitful and spreading that fruit wherever God may lead. And to see the amazing things God as done for the whole church community was awe-inspiring and challenged them to trust in God and see Him work amazing miracles.

After the New Year Service, each person in attendance received their scripture of the year. Ending with the closing prayer and group photo, wrapped up and began the year close to God and within His presence.

Please pray for Atlanta in the year of 2020 as they continue moving towards “His kingdom come”.

The previous church minister Pastor Anderson introduced Pastor Thomas to church members with warm welcome. Pastor Thomas gave a self introduction to members and shared the vision of the church is heading to.

Pastor Thomas has passion for Christ to win many souls for God. He invited many members to join together.

During the fellowship time, they shared together and eat lunch together after Sunday Service. Many members are very happy to have new minister to Atlanta Bethel Community Church. May the grace of God be with everyone all the time. May the year of 2020 become a year of harvest for God.

Pastor explained how, for us, this salvation; this Jesus is truly a hidden treasure. He cannot be found by us on the street or in any place, but He can only call to us and reveal Himself to us. By our own works and deeds, we cannot find Jesus. But first we must climb the sycamore fig tree. “Zaccheaus felt this desire that, ‘Jesus is passing through, I must see Him!’,” P. Anderson continues, “Do we truly have this desire? Or do we let other thing fill our hearts?”

After the message, lunch fellowship and a quick birthday celebration, many members stayed behind to clean the church together. By the grace of God, the church was able to have a small renovation to the kitchen area and this prompted a church-wide cleaning day. The ministers are thankful for God provision over the church and for the members gracious hearts for cleaning.