Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Unity is urged to 'Stay the course'

Voleer Thomas
·2 min read

A pastor was honored Sunday for persevering through her journey to become a pastor after being called to lead God's people several years ago.

Pastor Gwendolyn Williams of Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Unity was the guest of honor at a service at the church held to celebrate her second anniversary as pastor of the church. Williams became pastor of the church, located at 1714 NE Eighth Ave., in 2020 during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Unity Youth Department presents Pastor Gwendolyn Williams ,right, with a gift of appreciation on Sunday for her two years serving as their pastor at the church in northeast Gainesville.
Members of the Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Unity Youth Department presents Pastor Gwendolyn Williams ,right, with a gift of appreciation on Sunday for her two years serving as their pastor at the church in northeast Gainesville.
Parishioners are overcome with an abundance of joy and begin to dance and run throughout Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday.
Parishioners are overcome with an abundance of joy and begin to dance and run throughout Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday.
The Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church Praise Team performs a selection in honor of Pastor Gwendolyn Williams’ second year as pastor at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday.
The Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church Praise Team performs a selection in honor of Pastor Gwendolyn Williams’ second year as pastor at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday.
Bishop Timothy Green delivers the sermon at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday during a service celebrating the second anniversary of Pastor Gwendolyn Williams as pastor of the church. Green is pastor of Cohen Temple First Born Church of the Living God in northeast Gainesville.
Bishop Timothy Green delivers the sermon at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in northeast Gainesville on Sunday during a service celebrating the second anniversary of Pastor Gwendolyn Williams as pastor of the church. Green is pastor of Cohen Temple First Born Church of the Living God in northeast Gainesville.
Deaconess Floretha Bryant ,left, assists the Pilgrim Rest COGIU Praise Ensemble in leading praise and worship while Pastor Gwendolyn Williams, right, dances along at the church in northeast Gainesville on Sunday during a service celebrating the second anniversary of Williams as pastor of the church.
Deaconess Floretha Bryant ,left, assists the Pilgrim Rest COGIU Praise Ensemble in leading praise and worship while Pastor Gwendolyn Williams, right, dances along at the church in northeast Gainesville on Sunday during a service celebrating the second anniversary of Williams as pastor of the church.
Deaconess Petrina Adams leads praise and worship service at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in Gainesville on Sunday in northeast Gainesville.
Deaconess Petrina Adams leads praise and worship service at Pilgrim Rest Church of God In Unity in Gainesville on Sunday in northeast Gainesville.

"I am thankful to be standing here today," Williams said. "Thank you to all who came here to celebrate with me today. This is kind of like the first celebration for me since the pandemic."

Williams said she answered the calling to be a pastor but never thought this day would come.

"It's been a long journey," she said. "I never thought I'd be a pastor. I strive to do God's will. I'm truly honored. God has supported me in this life. My heart is so full right now. I love you all."

The Pilgrim Rest COGIU praise ensemble sang four hymns then Deacon Raymond Daniels said the opening prayer.

"I thank God for all he's done," Daniels said. "Thank you for life, health and strength. Keep our flock together and let it be in faith and unity."

Deaconess Floretha Bryant shared an acronym which showed how much she loves Williams.

"P stands for perseverance," Bryant said. "Since the pandemic, she never missed a service. That means she is dedicated to the welfare of our church."

Bryant continued by saying 'A' stands for always active, 'S' for searching for answers, 'T' for trustworthy, 'O' for obedience to God's will and 'R' for running for her life.

"She is running for the prize which is the higher calling to praise Jesus Christ," Bryant said. "To God be the glory."

The church's youth department presented the pastor with a gift basket to show their appreciation for her time.

"Our pastor is giving and supportive and we want to take a moment to show her how much we appreciate her," Teah Leggon said.

First Lady Lana Green of Cohen Temple First Born Church of the Living God introduced her husband Bishop Timothy Green, pastor of Cohen Temple, who was the guest speaker during the service.

"Your reward will be determined by your labor," he said.

Timothy Green preached on the importance of pastors continuing the mission of the church regardless of popularity.

"Preach the word no matter if you have a large crowd," he said. "If you really love the people, you will preach. You can't be scared to tell the people to choose. Keep the word of God alive. "

He encouraged the congregation to open up to God's will to carry out their mission in life.

"I don't want to leave here with my works undone," he said. "Let God use you. Stay the course."

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: A pastor's perseverance to fulfil her calling in preaching was honored. Pilgrim Rest Church of God in Unity located at 1714 NE Eighth Ave.