Welcome to Cotton Temple
The Cotton Temple Church, formerly the Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ (COGIC), has had numerous dedicated leaders, including Bishop Charles H. Cotton and Pastor Embria Sconiers.
Fun Facts:
Cotton Temple, as part of The Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC), proudly embraces a denomination that is steeped in rich history and deeply rooted in our passionate beliefs.
Cotton Temple Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and inclusive community in Jersey City. Our core mission is to follow God's guidance fearlessly and make disciples of Jesus Christ, aiming for the transformation and upliftment of our local community and the world at large.
Our vision is to become a beacon of hope and spiritual growth in Jersey City, fostering life-changing journeys for all individuals. We envision a church that welcomes everyone from diverse backgrounds and actively engages in our community members' spiritual, social, and emotional development.
Our passion lies in deeply connecting with and serving the people of Jersey City. We are driven by the desire to spread Jesus Christ's teachings, offer a sanctuary of hope and healing, and empower individuals through faith and community support.
Serving With Love
At Cotton Temple, we are committed to serving our community with love and care by addressing the needs of our neighbors. Through our Food Assistance Program, we ensure no family goes hungry by offering a well-stocked food pantry and hosting community meals. Additionally, we distribute food baskets during the holidays to spread joy and share the season’s blessings.
Our church supports those needing clothing and shelter, offering free clothing drives throughout the year. Whether it’s warm coats during the winter or essential garments for families, we strive to provide dignity and comfort to those facing challenging circumstances. We also partner with local organizations to assist individuals experiencing homelessness with temporary shelter and essential supplies.
At Cotton Temple, health and wellness are at the heart of our mission. We host health fairs that provide free screenings and wellness resources, empowering our community to take charge of their health. Additionally, during the holiday season, our church comes together for Christmas gift drives and Thanksgiving meal distributions, ensuring everyone feels the holidays’ warmth and joy. These programs embody our dedication to uplifting and inspiring our community year-round.
FAQs
COGIC, or the Church of God in Christ, is a denomination within the broader Pentecostal movement. While both COGIC and Pentecostal churches share many beliefs, including the baptism in the Holy Spirit and using spiritual gifts, COGIC is distinct in its organizational structure, history, and worship style. Founded by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, COGIC has a unique heritage and often emphasizes African-American culture and musical traditions.
The COGIC seal is a significant emblem representing the church's foundational beliefs and history. The central image is the world, signifying the church's global mission. The hand represents God's power and authority, the scepter stands for Christ's kingship, and the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The colors and other elements in the seal also carry specific meanings, reflecting the church's spiritual foundations and divine calling.
The COGIC Church believes in the infallibility of the Bible and the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fundamental tenets include salvation through Jesus Christ, sanctification, and baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues. COGIC also strongly emphasizes holiness in personal life, divine healing, and the Second Coming of Christ. The church is known for its lively worship services, incorporating praise, music, and often spirited preaching.
The term "Church of God" can refer to several Christian denominations. However, in the context of COGIC, it refers specifically to the Church of God in Christ, a Pentecostal-Holiness Christian denomination. It is essential to distinguish COGIC from other denominations with similar names, as each has distinct beliefs, practices, and organizational structures.
The primary difference between the Baptists and the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is their beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. Baptists emphasize congregational autonomy, believer’s baptism, and a reserved worship style. At the same time, COGIC practices a hierarchical structure with bishops focuses on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and embraces more expressive worship, including speaking in tongues. Additionally, COGIC emphasizes total sanctification and spiritual gifts, while Baptists generally view sanctification as an ongoing process and place less emphasis on charismatic gifts.
Baptists' roots are in the Protestant Reformation of the 17th century, while COGIC emerged in the late 19th century as part of the Pentecostal movement. Both traditions share core Christian beliefs but differ in their theological emphases, worship styles, and governance, reflecting their unique approaches to faith and community.
“Jesus came to mend broken hearts, heal the sick, and bring joy… find out more about Jesus.”
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