About Us
Here at Good Works Community Church
We At Good Works Community Church Invite You To Worship With Us! No Matter Where You Are On Life’s Journey, You Are Welcome Here!
We believe that God loves all of creation, and through Jesus Christ we are brought into fellowship with God. We are a family, proclaiming the love and grace of God, as found in God’s Word. All are welcome at Good Works Community Church – those who believe as well as those who are seeking.
At each service we gather for meaningful worship to study God’s word. We reach out with the heart of ministry to care for our neighbors in the name of Christ here and around the world. We have fun and fellowship in a variety of activities ranging from dinners to sporting events. As we work and worship together we find that our faith grows as we enjoy friends old and new.
You will discover many exciting opportunities at Good Works Community Church. Our website is just the introduction to the spirit of our church. We want you to feel at home and comfortable here. We are pleased to welcome you as part of a growing and diverse Christian community.
Please Join Us For An Upcoming Worship Service. There’s A Place For You Here At Good Works Community Church.
Beliefs
Good Works Community Church is a body of believers made up of people from different backgrounds and stories joined together because of the gospel of Christ. We are a dynamic church located in Hertford, NC. Our beliefs are based on the Bible and centered on Jesus Christ. Our mission is very simple: to lead people to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. That means we’re not about a building or some complicated religious system, but about helping people from all backgrounds discover the joy that comes from knowing and serving Jesus Christ.
Welcome to Good Works Community Church. We’ve put together some information here that anticipates and tries to briefly answer some of the questions you may have prior to visiting our church for the first time.
Atmosphere
It’s important to us that you feel welcome when visiting. We hope our atmosphere will help you feel relaxed and comfortable. The music and worship are built around Biblical themes that are timeless. We are glad to have you join us in worship! You will be greeted and welcomed.
Family Friendly
No matter your family dynamics, you’re welcome at Good Works Community Church and we’re excited for you to consider being a part of our church family! Our intent is to serve the whole family. During our worship service we have loving staff to conduct children’s church for young children.
Sermon
From the pulpit you will hear sound expository preaching. The focus of each sermon is built around the point of the Biblical text being addressed.
Biblical Teaching
Here at Good Works Community Church, we place a high priority on the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. The worship service is a time for us to come together as a community to learn, be encouraged and to be challenged by God’s Word. Other opportunities exist beyond the Sunday worship service where members have a chance to grow, fellowship, or otherwise be a part of a Church family that lives out their faith together.
General
- We are located at 113 Deep Creek Road Hertford, NC 27944.
- Phone: (252) 404-9088
Holy Scripture is the:
- Inspired Word Of God, Trustworthy And True In All That It Teaches and The Complete Revelation Of His Will For The Salvation Of Men. It is The Divine And Final Authority For All Christian Faith And Life.
- There’s One Living And True God and He is the Creator Of All Things, Infinitely Perfect And Eternally Existing In Three Persons Of The Trinity: Father, Son And Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ. is:
- Truly God And Truly Human, Having Been Conceived By The Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
- Lived In Perfect Obedience To God;
- Died On The Cross Aa A Sacrifice For Our Sins According To The Scriptures;
- Arose Bodily From The Dead and Ascended Into Heaven
- Sits At The Right Hand Of The Father;
- Intercedes For His People And Rules As Lord Of All Creation;
- And Will Return To Earth Personally And Visibly, To Consummate His Sovereign Rule And Work Of Redemption.
- The Holy Spirit Through Proclamation Of The Gospel Brings About Repentance From Sin, Confession Of The Lordship Of Christ, Regeneration To The Believing Sinner, Holiness, Assurance Of Salvation As He Leads And Empowers The Believer For Godly Living And Service.
- Man Was Created In The Image Of God But Fell Into Sin And Is Therefore Lost And Only Through Regeneration By The Holy Spirit Can Salvation And Spiritual Life Be Obtained.
- The Shed Blood Of Jesus Christ And His Resurrection Provide The Only Ground For Justification And Salvation For All Who Believe, And Only Such As Receive Jesus Are Born Of The Holy Spirit, And Thus Become Children Of God.
- Partake of the Lord’s Supper And Receive Water Baptism As Sacraments To Be Observed By The Church
- We are Regenerated By The Holy Spirit And Are United Together In The Body Of Christ Of Which He Is The Head.
- We Hope for the Personal, Bodily And Imminent Coming Of Our Lord Jesus Christ And That This “Blessed Hope” Has A Vital Bearing On Our Personal Life And Service to Mankind and to God.
- The Resurrection Of The Dead, The Final Judgment Of All People, The Entrance Of The Righteous Into Eternal Life In The Presence Of God And The Condemnation Of The Wicked To Eternal Death.
How To Become A Member…..
1. Show evidence of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Accept the Good Works Statement of Faith
3. Agree to be governed by the church constitution and bylaws
4. Submit a written application (or apply online) for membership
5. Meet membership requirements for joining:
By profession of faith Make a public confession of your personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
By statement Be baptized by water upon profession of faith in another church of like faith and order
By letter Be baptized with a letter of transfer from another church of like faith and order
By restoration Return with a satisfactorily clearing of cessation of membership
6. Complete the New Members Orientation program
7. Be present at a church conference for a vote of approval
8. Be received into the church publicly at a worship service.
Rules For Membership
Each member has a right to:
- If present, vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference
- Be considered as a candidate for elective offices in the church.
- Participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.
A person’s membership may be terminated by:
- Voluntary withdrawal
- Voluntary transfer to another church
- Death
- Consistent absence from church services for a period of three consecutive months without reasonable excuse
- Lack of financial support to the church on a regular basis within one’s ability
- Inconsistent living with Biblical standards of holiness, contrary to the Statement of Faith, causing discord, dissension and division in the church
Good Works may vote to excommunicate a person from membership due to being an unruly member, according to Matthew 18:15-17
Benefits of Membership
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN USE YOUR GIFTS
Do not neglect the gift that is in you . . . —1 Timothy 4:14
God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. —1 Peter 4:10
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GROW
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. —Acts 2:42 NLT
YOU BELONG TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. —Romans 12:4-5
History of Good Works Community Church
During the winter of 2011 a small group of believers began meeting and holding services at the Fannie A. Parker Women’s Club building located at 116 West Albemarle Street in Edenton, North Carolina. The first service was held on Sunday morning, January 2, 2011 under the direction of then, The Reverend Edna Hathaway Lawrence. Sixteen persons were in attendance. During the early months the congregation doubled in size. Worship services were full of the Holy Spirit and persons desiring a new religious experience. The Pastor and members continued to lay the foundation of an exciting new ministry.
A praise team was quickly formed under the leadership of Dianner Moore and musician, Rameik Spruill. Their voices along with JoAnn Overton, Anthony Hathaway, Dolline Hathaway, Emma Godfrey and Sherlton Broadnax filled every service with grateful praise. Dion McDonald was the first church usher and Pattie Smith was charged with overseeing church finances.
Good Works was determined not to become a traditional “church as usual”. Instead, it wanted to please God in faith, praise and worship. The book, Radical, Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, written by David Platt became the first Sunday school curriculum. It inspired the members to dare to be different and they forged forward under the leadership of Reverend Lawrence.
On Sunday, January 15, 2011 this new body of believers during a special members conference formally adopted the name, vision and bylaws of Good Works Community Church. On Saturday, March 12, 2011, The Reverend Gary Hathaway, from Chattanooga, Tennessee came to Edenton to lead The Ordination Council of ministers Barbara Moore, Terrence White, James Ferebee, Vernelle Poole, Roscoe Poole, Lynetta Jordan, Glenn Gallop and John Jordan to fully examine the pastor’s qualifications. On the next day on March 13th, Good Works congregation, Ministers Council and The Reverend Gary Hathaway ordained Reverend Edna Hathaway Lawrence as a minister of God’s Word and leader of his flock.
Being formed and led by the Holy Spirit leadership roles were established and church life expanded. Administrative functions were moved to a downtown office complex located at 106 East King Street in Edenton. It became the church’s hub for daily church operations, strategic planning and new members training classes. The Lord continued to grow the church daily.
Within the first month, Calvin Lawrence, Sr, Anthony Hathaway, Reverend Barbara Moore, Sherlton Broadnax, Dianner Moore, and Pattie Smith formed the first Board of Directors. Their mission was to assist the pastor, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, in managing God’s vision for the church. Within the first six months of formation, the state of North Carolina recognized Good Works as a viable non-profit organization and was further awarded tax-exempt status as a 501C3 public charity by the United States Internal Revenue Services on June 6, 2011.
The church is a living testimony of what God’s people can do if they will let God have his way. In two years the membership grew from 16 to 175. The first person baptized by immersion was Lucketchia Boston and the first funeral was conducted for the late, John Isaac Jordan. His name was transferred from the church roll to The Church Eternal on Nov. 5, 2011.
As continuous growth presented many challenges for the new ministry, adequate space became a priority. Church officers searched local properties and services were temporarily moved to the Historic Edenton Courthouse. While there, the Lord moved the hearts of the The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel and Trustees of the Diocese of East Carolina to open the doors of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church located at 212 East Church Street as a place of worship. During the fall of 2011, Good Works Board of Directors received the keys and quickly held its first worship service in the new location.
The move brought much stability to the church. Organizations formed to include the ministries of ushers, deacons, deaconesses, youth, men, women, singles, missions, prayer, veterans, hospitality and vacation bible school. The pulpit ministry grew to include six reverends Roscoe and Vernelle Poole, Sidney Lassiter, Glenn Gallop, Barbara Moore, Dr. Constance Whitehurst, and three ministers Ann Lightfoot, Sherlton Broadnax, and Dianner Moore, three deacons ordained, Anthony Hathaway, Curtis Bembury and Calvin L. Lawrence, Sr, and consecrated five deaconesses, Carol Roberts, Sandra White, Cheryl Bembury, Connie Vaughan, Emma Godfrey, Natalie Holloway, Maria Arreola, Dolline Hathaway, and Hope Downing. Many persons have passed through, but to God Be the Glory for the remnant of dedicated men and women, unashamed of Jesus Christ and determined to defeat the enemy by any means necessary. On March 30, 2013, Pastor Lawrence was consecrated an apostle by Apostles Gwayland & Vanessa McCleney, Bishop Little Joe Powell and Apostle Alfonzo Smith. Her elevation further equipped the church and broadened our spiritual horizons. Her leadership manifests the scripture, Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” We have no doubt that God has given us a prayerful pastor, a great teacher, and servant-leader, full of humility, and submissive to the will of God. Her leadership, vision and zeal have crossed many boundaries and challenged the congregation to do a work for the Lord.
Regardless of location, whether our worship took place in a clubhouse, courthouse, dilapidated sanctuary, or an office complex, the Lord continued to smile on us. During our eighth year, the ministry moved from 707-705 North Broad Street in Edenton to 113 Deep Creek Road, in Hertford, NC. On Sunday August 4, 2019 we held a Grand Celebration for our permanent church home. God has truly blessed us in our quest for a permanent home, where our church continues to grow and prosper. As we profile accomplishments made over the years we must truly say that we have been placed where the ‘harvest is plentiful’. It has been a blessing beyond measure! Within a year after moving to Hertford, we have gained seven new members, held three baptisms and conducted one wedding. We are determined to advance the kingdom of God in Hertford and surrounding areas through continuous effective ministry, specialized programming, strategic planning and outreach. The Gifts Within Us Are Stirred Up and We Are Eager To Work For Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!
History of Good Works Community Church
During the winter of 2011 a small group of believers began meeting and holding services at the Fannie A. Parker Women’s Club building located at 116 West Albemarle Street in Edenton, North Carolina. The first service was held on Sunday morning, January 2, 2011 under the direction of then, The Reverend Edna Hathaway Lawrence. Sixteen persons were in attendance. During the early months the congregation doubled in size. Worship services were full of the Holy Spirit and persons desiring a new religious experience. The Pastor and members continued to lay the foundation of an exciting new ministry.
A praise team was quickly formed under the leadership of Dianner Moore and musician, Rameik Spruill. Their voices along with JoAnn Overton, Anthony Hathaway, Dolline Hathaway, Emma Godfrey and Sherlton Broadnax filled every service with grateful praise. Dion McDonald was the first church usher and Pattie Smith was charged with overseeing church finances.
Good Works was determined not to become a traditional “church as usual”. Instead, it wanted to please God in faith, praise and worship. The book, Radical, Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, written by David Platt became the first Sunday school curriculum. It inspired the members to dare to be different and they forged forward under the leadership of Reverend Lawrence.
On Sunday, January 15, 2011 this new body of believers during a special members conference formally adopted the name, vision and bylaws of Good Works Community Church. On Saturday, March 12, 2011, The Reverend Gary Hathaway, from Chattanooga, Tennessee came to Edenton to lead The Ordination Council of ministers Barbara Moore, Terrence White, James Ferebee, Vernelle Poole, Roscoe Poole, Lynetta Jordan, Glenn Gallop and John Jordan to fully examine the pastor’s qualifications. On the next day on March 13th, Good Works congregation, Ministers Council and The Reverend Gary Hathaway ordained Reverend Edna Hathaway Lawrence as a minister of God’s Word and leader of his flock.
Being formed and led by the Holy Spirit leadership roles were established and church life expanded. Administrative functions were moved to a downtown office complex located at 106 East King Street in Edenton. It became the church’s hub for daily church operations, strategic planning and new members training classes. The Lord continued to grow the church daily.
Within the first month, Calvin Lawrence, Sr, Anthony Hathaway, Reverend Barbara Moore, Sherlton Broadnax, Dianner Moore, and Pattie Smith formed the first Board of Directors. Their mission was to assist the pastor, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, in managing God’s vision for the church. Within the first six months of formation, the state of North Carolina recognized Good Works as a viable non-profit organization and was further awarded tax-exempt status as a 501C3 public charity by the United States Internal Revenue Services on June 6, 2011.
The church is a living testimony of what God’s people can do if they will let God have his way. In two years the membership grew from 16 to 175. The first person baptized by immersion was Lucketchia Boston and the first funeral was conducted for the late, John Isaac Jordan. His name was transferred from the church roll to The Church Eternal on Nov. 5, 2011.
As continuous growth presented many challenges for the new ministry, adequate space became a priority. Church officers searched local properties and services were temporarily moved to the Historic Edenton Courthouse. While there, the Lord moved the hearts of the The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel and Trustees of the Diocese of East Carolina to open the doors of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church located at 212 East Church Street as a place of worship. During the fall of 2011, Good Works Board of Directors received the keys and quickly held its first worship service in the new location.
The move brought much stability to the church. Organizations formed to include the ministries of ushers, deacons, deaconesses, youth, men, women, singles, missions, prayer, veterans, hospitality and vacation bible school. The pulpit ministry grew to include six reverends Roscoe and Vernelle Poole, Sidney Lassiter, Glenn Gallop, Barbara Moore, Dr. Constance Whitehurst, and three ministers Ann Lightfoot, Sherlton Broadnax, and Dianner Moore, three deacons ordained, Anthony Hathaway, Curtis Bembury and Calvin L. Lawrence, Sr, and consecrated five deaconesses, Carol Roberts, Sandra White, Cheryl Bembury, Connie Vaughan, Emma Godfrey, Natalie Holloway, Maria Arreola, Dolline Hathaway, and Hope Downing. Many persons have passed through, but to God Be the Glory for the remnant of dedicated men and women, unashamed of Jesus Christ and determined to defeat the enemy by any means necessary. On March 30, 2013, Pastor Lawrence was consecrated an apostle by Apostles Gwayland & Vanessa McCleney, Bishop Little Joe Powell and Apostle Alfonzo Smith. Her elevation further equipped the church and broadened our spiritual horizons. Her leadership manifests the scripture, Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” We have no doubt that God has given us a prayerful pastor, a great teacher, and servant-leader, full of humility, and submissive to the will of God. Her leadership, vision and zeal have crossed many boundaries and challenged the congregation to do a work for the Lord.
Regardless of location, whether our worship took place in a clubhouse, courthouse, dilapidated sanctuary, or an office complex, the Lord continued to smile on us. During our eighth year, the ministry moved from 707-705 North Broad Street in Edenton to 113 Deep Creek Road, in Hertford, NC. On Sunday August 4, 2019 we held a Grand Celebration for our permanent church home. God has truly blessed us in our quest for a permanent home, where our church continues to grow and prosper. As we profile accomplishments made over the years we must truly say that we have been placed where the ‘harvest is plentiful’. It has been a blessing beyond measure! Within a year after moving to Hertford, we have gained seven new members, held three baptisms and conducted one wedding. We are determined to advance the kingdom of God in Hertford and surrounding areas through continuous effective ministry, specialized programming, strategic planning and outreach. The Gifts Within Us Are Stirred Up and We Are Eager To Work For Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!
