FAITH. FOCUS. FAVOR.
Bishop Lester Woods, 45, gives a sermon at Urban Empowerment Ministries on Sunday November 17, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. The Bishop voiced of his support for the youth program during service saying, “The kids are having a fundraiser to renovate their space within the church, please consider extending a helping hand this holiday season.”
Pastor Christine Woods, 42, and husband Bishop Lester Woods, 45, sets the atmosphere of the service by singing on Sunday November 17, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. Bishop Lester Woods completed the sermon on stress and financial problems. “Repeat after me … I will not let this week stress me out,” the Woods’ said.
Pastor Christine Woods, 42, hugs Urban Empowerment Ministries member Sherri Johnson Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. “We never know what someone is going through and sometimes all that helps in that moment is a hug,” Woods said. There is a five-minute greeting at the beginning of service that gives all members in church an opportunity to hug and welcome one another.
Pastor Christine Woods, 42, laughs with church members during an event Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. The event called Super Soul Sunday was used to fundraise the ministries within the church and to create a bonding experience for the Columbia community. “I’ve poured a lot of myself into the church and to see a positive outcome with members over good food … I could not ask for anything better every year,” Woods said.
Sister Charnell Foster serves food to Pastor Christine Woods during Super Soul Sunday, Sunday November, 17, 2019 in Columbia Missouri. The event included traditional Thanksgiving food such as ham, turkey, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes.
Pastor Christine Woods stands in front of Urban Empowerment Ministries curtain after service on Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. “Our services are open to any and everyone in the community, but we love to host Super Soul Sunday for college students because we know how important it is for them,” Woods said. The church receives many high school and college students each Sunday.