Sermonettes for a Sunday Morning

About the Book

Approximately four years ago, I—a healthy, energetic, independent woman—became so ill that I was practically bedridden. I needed assistance for all the things I took for granted in my daily life. Before my illness, I exhorted Sunday morning service, preached God’s Word, and ministered to the congregation. I had always been considered hyperactive. I worked out four days a week. I tried to be the dedicated wife and mother that God had instructed women to be. I worked as a public school teacher and as executive director of Sure Foundation Child Care Inc.; I maintained an immaculate house and the Grace Cathedral International complex. I pastored along with my husband, Bishop R. W. Harris. We were a team. We were visionaries. With God’s help, I would make sure I encouraged, not hindered, his visions for the ministry, and he did the same for mine. God moved in miraculous ways for us. It was difficult for me to comprehend suddenly becoming so ill I could barely function. This illness (that has yet to be completely determined) became what I thought at the time, a sour lemon in my life. I never asked God why but what. “What do you want me to do in this situation?” I was inspired to make sweet lemonade with my sour lemon. God allowed me to write this book in my limited physical condition. Because I was not able to stand and preach from the pulpit, I wrote a sermonette for the Sunday morning bulletin each week. Some of the sermonettes were a series that covered several Sundays. God has blessed me to use those weekly sermonettes for this book.

About the Author

Pastor Novella Harris is married to Bishop R.W. Harris for 52 years. They have four (4) children, four (4) grandchildren, and three (3) great-grandchildren. On March 31, 1996, Novella Harris was consecrated Pastor. She pastors under Bishop R.W. Harris Sr. Prelate, of Grace Cathedral International, Uniondale N.Y. Her desire for a school was accomplished in May 1995 when Sure Foundation Child Care Inc., (a newly constructed $600,000.00 structure, and playground) was completed. Pastor Harris retired from a successful career in the teaching profession, in Malverne, N.Y. She has taught Art Education, Environmental Studies, Nursery, Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades, and Inclusion. She served as a member of the Literacy Standards Committee. Pastor Harris has her Masters of Science Degree in Education from Hofstra University. She is pursuing a second Masters in English and Language Arts. She has her Bachelors of Religious Education and her Bachelors of Theology From United Christian College. She has training in Assertive Discipline and Teacher Effectiveness (College of St. Rose). She studied The Adlerian Approach To Parent/ Child Counseling (Hofstra University), Caring and Crisis Counseling (LI Council Of Churches) and Stress Management. Pastor Harris has Certificates in Program Design And Implementation For Children with Autism, Introduction to Applied Verbal Behavior and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (Kidz Therapy Services, LLC), Differentiated Learning Styles and Supportive Supervision. She received a certificate of membership from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (Developing Leadership for Quality in Education). Pastor Harris became a VIP member of the National Association of Professional Women (August 2011) and was selected by the VIP Division as the 2011/2012 “Professional Woman of the Year.” Pastor Harris received the Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club. (August 2011) She is a lifetime member of the NAACP. She is a past PTA President, Girl Scout Leader, and former member of 100 Black Women. Pastor Harris received a NAACP award for “Changing The Lives of Children in 2008. She became a member of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2004-2005. She received the NAACP “Educational” Award in 2004. She was honored by The Woman Substance, as The Woman of The Year in 2003. She received the 2002-2003 Teacher Of The Year Award for her “Outstanding Commitment And Dedication To The Children Of The Malverne School District.” She became a member of Who’s Who Among America Executives for her successful work in organizing a Nationally Accredited Child Care Center, servicing over 80 children. (1998) GOD has given Pastor Harris a personal ministry to wounded and abused souls. It is Pastor Harris’ desire to serve GOD with all her heart, mind and soul. Her goal is to be an example of womanhood that GOD is calling for in these last and evil days.