Arts and Culture
East Oakland COGIC Celebrates Re-Dedication
Keynote speaker Bishop Nathaniel Bullock, prelate of California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (CNEJ) reminisced on 51 years of friendship with Clifton prior to preaching “This Church Was Built to Last.” Bullock cited biblical scriptures from Matthew 16, Hebrews 13, Isiah 54, and John 10.
By Carla Thomas
East Oakland’s Church of God in Christ (EOCOGIC) celebrated a spirit-filled re-dedication service marked by reverence, music, and community unity as clergy and congregants gathered to honor the church’s continued mission and legacy on Sunday, June 7.
Pastor Wade Harper served as master of ceremony, with opening prayer led by aspiring missionary Bridget Clifton-Foster, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. Elder-in-training Arnold C. Armstrong followed with a reading of the Holy Scriptures, grounding the congregation in the Word.
Missionary Otena Brown delivered the greeting and call to worship, praise was led by Pastor Matthew Levy, interim jurisdictional minister of music. Choir selections included “We Worship You,” “Can’t Stop Praising His Name,” and “Come On and Testify.”
Clifton-Foster presented “The Occasion,” offering insight into the significance of the re-dedication and the church’s continued growth. She explained how the church had endured a flood ruining the main sanctuary, leaving congregants to meet in the social hall.
The newly renovated space included comfortably cushioned chairs, replacing the traditional church pews.
Superintendent James Manning II led the offering, followed by brief clergy representations that reflected the broader faith community’s support. Local pastors gave EOCOGIC’s leaders Pastor Mark Clifton, Sr. and his wife, First Lady Melissa Clifton.
Keynote speaker Bishop Nathaniel Bullock, prelate of California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (CNEJ) reminisced on 51 years of friendship with Clifton prior to preaching “This Church Was Built to Last.”
Bullock cited biblical scriptures from Matthew 16, Hebrews 13, Isiah 54, and John 10.
“This church (EOCOGIC) will last because God’s reflection surrounds it,” said Bullock.
The event also celebrated Clifton’s elevation to the role of administrative assistant to Bishop Bullock.
CNEJ’s Supervisor of Women, Mother Ada Stevens, said, “God is good and will bless us if we continue to do the will of the Lord.”
The service continued with prayers of dedication and elevation, symbolizing a renewed commitment to faith and service. Melissa J. Clifton extended words of gratitude to the committee and all who contributed to the occasion. “We are so grateful for all the love and support,” she said.
A proclamation from the office of Mayor Barbara Lee, thanked the Cliftons and the EOCOGIC congregation for their community impact and legacy.
Superintendent Mark Anthony Clifton, Sr. closed the service with final remarks naming the church musical director Pastor Matthew Levy as his new special assistant.
