FAITH TEMPLE Church of God In Christ

ELDER MICHAEL GORDON, M.A.T.S.
Property Committee
Founder and Overseer of Community of Love Ministries and The Secrets Out

Michael Gordon grew up at Faith Temple from the age of 12 years old.
He worked in the Sunday school department , as the lead choir director, and as Minister of Music.
Michael Gordon is a 3rd generation minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was ordained in 1992 as an Elder.
He serves on the Elders and Ministers Council of Faith Temple COGIC.
Elder Michael Gordon is the proud parent of three adult children and the grandparent of three grand-daughters and two grandsons.

Education
He holds an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from the Moody Bible Institute.
He earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary.
He has done post-graduate doctoral work and has a certification in Psyhco-Spiritual Counseling.

Michael has worked in Real Estate Sales Brokerage and Property Management.

Ministry
Elder Gordon and his wife of 47 years, Cheryl, started Community of Love Ministries in 2006, which ministers in the area of homelessness, family and marriage enrichment, health enhancement, and gospel proclamation.

BRENDA ALEXANDER
Coporate Treasurer • Finance Committee
Faith Temple Charter Member

Brenda Alexander has been a cherished member of Faith Temple for sixty-nine years. She is the granddaughter of the late Sister Ethel Brunner, who was among the original group that began with the late Bishop H.W. Goldsberry. Brenda was only fifteen months old when her mother passed away, and her beloved grandmother raised her as her own.

From a young age, Brenda sang in the choir under the direction of Sister Vashti Powell, who became a special inspiration to her. Sister Powell’s down-to-earth nature and dedication played a pivotal role in Brenda’s early spiritual growth. She guided and nurtured Brenda, profoundly influencing her life and the lives of other young women by teaching them to be "proper young Christian women."

Like all the youth at Faith Temple at the time, Brenda attended public school and graduated from Parker High School. After college, she married and became a mother to two boys, one of whom is now deceased. She is now the proud grandmother of three.

Professionally, Brenda worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Finance and Accounting, demonstrating her skill and dedication. She also served the Chicago Public Schools as an Attendance Coordinator for many years. Currently, she continues to share her expertise at H & R Block.

Though Brenda briefly left Faith Temple, she later returned with renewed vigor, engaging in numerous church activities as she deepened her spiritual walk. She is actively involved with Faith Temple’s Mother’s Board and the Mission Workers. Brenda is now serving another term on the Board of Directors and is an integral member of the Finance Committee, where she applies her extensive knowledge of accounting and managerial expertise.

Brenda’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her contributions to Faith Temple and her professional achievements stand as a testament to her character and commitment.

SISTER VANETTA DALE-GRIER
Board Chairman
Administrative Committee
Faith Temple Parishioner for Over 30 Years

Prayer is a powerful connection to God, rooted in belief and faith. The skills and abilities I possess are gifts from the Father, blessings that enable me to serve others.

Journey of Learning and Growth
My dedication to studying and learning has been a guiding light through numerous trials and tests. These experiences have deepened my faith and resilience.

Commitment to Healing and Service
Helping others through God's healing touch has been an incredible blessing. Many health challenges are beyond the scope of medical knowledge, but witnessing a patient's smile brings immense joy to our Father. I am eternally grateful to Jesus for His sacrifice and for sending the Holy Ghost to comfort, keep, and guide us.

Education and Certification

• Registered Medical Assistant, American Medical Technologist

• National Healthcare Association, MIBC Coding

• National CPR Foundation Certification – active

• HR Certification Institute – HIPAA – active

Vanetta Dale-Grier has dedicated over 30 years to Faith Temple COGIC, serving as both a devoted parishioner and a committed board member. Her journey is one of faith, resilience, and service, marked by a deep connection to God through prayer and the utilization of her God-given talents. Vanetta's educational background and active certifications underscore her commitment to compassionate care, making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves. She continually gives glory to God for His guidance, finding joy in the smiles of those she helps heal.

JIM SLINGO, B.A.
Finance Committee

During the years since 2003 that I have been regularly a part of Faith Temple I have been working in financial research, limited trading with careful instructions from 3+ brokers (LPL financial and Merrill Lynch), and a side job (property management: various smaller houses and small properties). My educational background Graduate Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Major African and various (US) history, also international political science, business, education.

I am a new author: The Principles of Restoration, Building an Excellent Economy, Amazon Nov. 2021: This book shares in detail the Puritan work ethic and their mostly positive influence on the new colonies -that became the United States of America; How to save and make money by sustainability saving energy and an extensive study of using various available types of alternative energy to eliminate pollution; and how to use the Puritan's example to run fair, just and profitable (businesses) small, medium or large corporations. All my years at Faith Temple visiting sick members of Faith Temple especially has been and still is very important. I continue to visit those that I have known and love and work with, in ministry since 2003.  We should never forget those who are not able to get to church often or at all because of illness or rehabilitation.