GRACE NOTES February, 2014 GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ST. ALBANS NEWSLETTER GRACE NOTES ISSUE V February, 2014 Rev. Harold Andrews. Pastor Inside this issue: Word From Pastor 2 BLACK HISTORY MOMENT 3 Reflections On My Visit to Washington 5 St. Vincent Disaster Relief 6 Confirmation Sunday 7 THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER 8 A Dream Becomes a Reality 9 Mission Trip to Cambodia 11 Dates to Remember On March 9, 2014, at 3:00 pm GUMC will celebrate one year in the new sanctuary . Benefit Concert for the Methodist Church in Grenada Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 4pm Tickets: Adults $25 Children under 12 : $10 Cd’s will be on Sale (see page 13)
Transcript
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ST. ALBANS
NEWSLETTER
GRACE NOTES
ISSUE V February, 2014 Rev. Harold Andrews. Pastor
Inside this issue:
Word From Pastor 2
BLACK HISTORY MOMENT 3
Reflections On My Visit to
Washington
5
St. Vincent Disaster Relief 6
Confirmation Sunday 7
THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
8
A Dream Becomes a Reality 9
Mission Trip to Cambodia 11
Dates to Remember
On March 9, 2014, at 3:00 pm GUMC will
celebrate one year in the new sanctuary .
Benefit Concert for the Methodist
Church in Grenada
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 4pm
Tickets: Adults $25
Children under 12 : $10
Cd’s will be on Sale (see page 13)
2
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
WORD FROM PASTOR
The Cost of Discipleship
Being true disciples of Jesus Christ means a willingness to give up
certain things. That usually involves giving up the things that give us pleasure
and that are in opposition to what Jesus requires. That is why Jesus says that
we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. This means that we
cannot eat our cake and have it. We have to make a choice. We cannot agree to be
with Jesus on some things and not on others. If we want to be disciples of
Jesus, then we must be with him all the way. Jesus does not want as John Wesley,
puts it “An almost Christian.” Many of us live our whole lives being almost
Christian. We never become Christian. It is like being in a race and being edged
out at the finish line by a competitor. Then you go about saying, “I came close
to winning.” You came close to winning but you did not win. The championship cup
will be taken home by the winner not you!
Jesus does not want almost Christians. He wants Christians. Jesus wants
all of us not part of us. Some of us may think that because we are serving on
committees we don’t have to meet our financial obligations to the church. Well,
imagine what will happen if most of us behave that way. We will have no church!
We would not be able to pay the light, gas, telephone, mortgage and the staff.
Jesus said, to whom much is given much is required. That includes our time,
skills and money. If we hold back on any one of these knowing full well we can
do better based on how God has blessed us, guess what, we would fall in the
category of the almost Christian.
In order for us to have roads, bridges and airports so that we can travel
from place to place we must pay taxes. In order for us to have the necessary
weapons and personnel in the armed forces to defend our country we must pay
taxes. To have leaders like the president, senators, governors, mayors to admin-
istrate the affairs of the states and the country, we must pay taxes. And as one
candidate for the presidency says, “We must pay our fair share.” How would we
feel if we are paying our fair share in taxes and others are hiding their money
in Swiss banks accounts or in banks in the Cayman Islands to escape paying their
fair share. We would be upset because those persons, without paying their fair
share they nevertheless have equal access to the roads, bridges and airports.
Many times they use these amenities more than the rest of us!
Each of us is called to pay our fair share of our resources to the
church. There is a cost to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is no free
ride. Jesus wants us to give back to the church in proportion to how he has
blessed us. To underscore that Jesus observed and commented on persons who were
making their offering to the temple. This is how Mark 12:41-44 records the
event. (vs.41) “He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting
money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums”. (vs.42A) “ poor
widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny”.
(vs.43)”Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this
poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury”.
(vs.44)”For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of
her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
3
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
BLACK HISTORY MOMENT (summary)
First Sunday— presented by Bessie Reid.
Patricia Suzanne Cowings, psycho-physiologist, invented the Autogenic-Feedback Training Ex-ercise (AFTE) systems and methods used by astronauts to adapt more easily to living and working in space. Her invention also has many uses on Earth—helping people overcome physical reactions to Stress and motion. Ms. Cowings is cousin to Bessie Reid.
Second Sunday— presented by Anita Johnson
Rev. Willie Barrow, Named "The Little Warrior" for her tireless work as a social and spiritual activist, Reverend Willie T. Barrow has spent her entire life on the front lines of the civil rights strug-gle. She plays active role in the Church of God, Operation PUSH leadership, campaign manager for presidential campaign of Jesse Jackson and the first female Chairman Emeritus of Rainbow PUSH Coalition .
Third Sunday— presented by Claude-Emmanuela Sayi
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. She was a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1968, she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress. On January 25, 1972, she became the first major-party black candidate for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brook-lyn, New York, to immigrant parents. At age three, Chisholm was sent to Barbados to live with her maternal grandmother, until the age of ten. In 1993, then President Bill Clinton nominated her to the ambassadorship to Jamaica, but she could not serve due to poor health. In the same year she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Fourth Sunday—presented by Wylinda Byrd
Black History in Queens.. Queens County has been the home for a large number of African Americans who have made indelible marks on the history and culture of this century worldwide. Here is a list of a few:
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong (1901-1971) - World greatest trumpeter. Lived at 34-56 107th Ave., Corona, NY. Home is now Historical Landmark.
Ella Fitzgerald (1918-1996) - World renowned Queen of Jazz singers. Lived at 179-07 Braddock Avenue, St. Albans, NY.
Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) First Black baseball Hall of Fame. Lived at 112-40 177th Street, Addisleigh Park, buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery.
Colin Powell (1937 - ) - Four Star General, moved with parents from the Bronx to 183-68 Elmira Avenue,
Hollis, NY.
Malcolm X—Corona, Queens
Run D. M. C. - Pioneer rap group, Hollis, Queens.
L.L. Cool J. - Rapper and Actor. Dunkirk Ave., Jamaica, NY.
"NOTABLE FIRSTS'| include: Archie Spigner - First Black Queens City Councilman, 1974 - Present
Andrew Jenkins - First Black Queens State Senator, 1983 - 1990
Floyd Flake - First Black Queens Congressman, 1986-1997
A very moving piece from abolitionist, women's rights proponent, and former slave So-journer Truth that was originally delivered in 1851. Yep, before the Civil War, before the right to vote for anybody but white men …..1851.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?
Delivered 1851 Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
Submitted by Hyacinth E. Bailey
5
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
6
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:
Submitted by Wanda Jackson.
Young Christian Leaders Scholarship
Lawyer, Daniel Buttafuoco desires to support emerging young Christians in
the marketplace - whether in law, education, government, the sciences, media, arts or the private sector.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded on a monthly basis for the next ten years.
YCL Scholarships are for students:
· Who are from the tri-state area (NJ, NY, CT).
· Who are either graduating high school seniors or undergraduates 24 years of age or younger.
· Who are active members of a church and can obtain a personal letter
of reference.
For more information and further details visit www.YCLscholarship.org.
White House Internship Program | A complete application includes: | | · Short answers | · Two essays | | · One page resume | · Two letters of recommendation. | | www.whitehouse.gov/internships ;
Last December the island of St. Vincent was devastated by severe flooding.
On hearing news of the disaster the committee immediately reached out to our sister-in-Christ, Lenore Cox who hails from the island and is currently on vacation there. We are happy to report that, because of her location she was not affected but did confirm that the situation was dire in many areas of the island. Lenore was able to put us in touch with a reputable relief- organization in Brooklyn.
In response to an appeal from the Consul General of St. Vincent, on Friday January 31, 2014 the Mission Committee delivered, as instructed by their Deputy Consul General, Mr. Agustus, fifteen (15) bags of cloth-ing…. men, women, children/babies, along with several cartons of canned goods, donated by Ms Caspers of the Big Sisters organization on Merrick Boulevard and the committee members.
Mr. & Mrs. Sayi assisted in transporting donations to the shippers in Brooklyn.
Twelve young people from Grace UMC congregation were confirmed in the new sanctuary on January 26,
2014. Their ages ranged from 12 years to 17 years old. They all were required to attend confirmation class
every Sunday after worship service for eight weeks. Ms. Marjorie Richards and Mrs. Renee Phills were in
charge of teaching and guiding these youngsters. The youngsters learned about; the story of Christ, the pres-
ence of the Holy Spirit , the true meaning of church customs and what being a Christian means.
On Confirmation Sunday ( January 26,2014), the confirmands , presented to the congregation their under-
standing of Jesus Christ, how the lessons learned changed their lives and what lesson touched their hearts.
As a confirmant of this class I feel it has changed the way I think and act in the church. I’m now more atten-
tive to the Sunday sermon and scripture readings. Participating in the confirmation class gave me the knowl-
edge of what going to church really mean. It is not just a place for worship but it is about being the body of
Christ and serving God. I would like to thank Ms. Marjorie and Ms. Renee for teaching me how to be a better
Christian.
By Sharne` Roberts.
Confirmands:
Cadian Davis, Shanice Forbes, Shamar Greene, Annesha Guy, Christopher Hope, Dylan McSween, Arianna Neysmith, Shaneil Roberts, Sharne` Roberts, Claude-Emmannuela Sayi, Tianan-Sade Smith and Kelar Walker.
(more photos on website: see event page)
8
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER DANCE
OF THE
BROOKLYN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HOME
Several persons from Grace attended this wonderful annual event on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York.
It was a pleasure sharing Rev. Vera Isaacs’ table. She serves as the Chaplain at Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home (BUMCH). She was appointed by former Resident Bishop Jeremiah J. Park of the New York Annual Conference. Prior to her being ordained, she was a very active and dedicated member of the laity at Grace.
The awardees of the dinner dance were:
Richard B. Becker, MD President and CEO of the Brooklyn Hospital Center, is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, and the Brooklyn academic and clinical affiliates of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He was the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Service Award.
Rev. Joseph Ewoodzie on behalf of the NYAC Sandy Disaster Relief Coordinator was the recipient of the 2013 William C. Kirkwood Humanitarian Award. Rev. Ewoodzie is the Director of Mission and Outreach Min-istries of the New York Annual Conference. He was born and nurtured in Ghana, West Africa. He holds mas-ters degrees in Divinity, Theology, and Philosophy from Interdenominational Theological Center (TTC), Can-dler School of Theology (Emory) and Drew University respectively. He is an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church and served eight years as a Pastor of a local church before his current appointment.
Joanna F. Hofmann EdD. RN. ANP/GNP-DC received the 2013 Community Service Award. She has been a nurse practitioner for the past 14 years. She continues both as a nurse educator and a practicing clinician. For the past 20 years, she has continued in volunteer as a camp nurse in New York Conference, most recently with Woodsmoke Camp for kids in Hancock, NY. Her first international mission was in the early 90s with the New York Conference of the Methodist Church as a volunteer in Mission in Bolivia. It was the stimulus for Joanna to begin taking graduate nursing students to either the Dominican Republic or Haiti to provide pri-mary care in under-served communities.
Winston Watson was the 2013 Anne M. Dowling Dedicated Service Award recipient. In 1970 he migrated from Jamaica, WI to the East Bronx where he lived with his family for many years. Prior to leaving Jamaica he worked as an accountant at Craftsman Ltd. in Kingston after graduating from Jamaica School of Com-merce. Within the first six months in the USA he was able to obtain employment as an accountant, but real-ized he had a change of heart. The decision to switch profession was difficult, motivated by the need for stabil-ity for himself and his family. He enrolled in the Park West Culinary School in Manhattan and earned a de-gree in cooking (a far cry from being an accountant). Shortly after graduating from culinary school he started as a cook in the Public Sector. Over the years he became more and more advanced in his new-found skills; the promotions came along as well. From a cook to a supervisor, then to Assistant Director of Food Service to the position from which he recently retired in Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home – Director of Food & Nutrition Services. He worked at BUMCH from January 2003 to June 2013.
DJ Mike Nappi, of Sound Check Entertainment, provided a wonderful selection of music appealing to the dancing taste of the many dancers who took to the floor.
The food was most exquisite and delicious during the reception and the dinning.
It seems a great time was had by all. At the end of the evening, many seemed reluctant to leave. It was just that grand and enjoyable!
Dr. Mel Hall, Reporter
9
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
A DREAM BECOMES A REALITY
It was a two-year dream of two persons – Dr. Faye Wilson living in Maryland and Jacqueline (“Jackie”) Lane in St. Albans, New York that there would be a musical concert including Maryland and New York, Voices of United and Voices in Spirit.
Well, the dream became a reality on Saturday, November 2. 2013, and it was well worth the wait! Yes, it lit-erally “rocked the house.” The Holy Spirit was strongly felt by all – the audience and the participants.
The very spiritual Master of Ceremony was the very much beloved Rev. Dr. Clyde A. Anderson who defied his team of doctors that sent him home to spend his “last days” due to his “terminal cancer.” So the concert had a special blessing from God and we were able to rejoice with him and his First Lady, Mrs. Loretta Anderson.
Where the Holy Spirit is there is a high volume of enthusiasm, praise and thanksgiving. We had much to be thankful for – one was a two-year wait for the combined concert and the other was the miraculous healing of our beloved Master of Ceremony. This writer strongly believes that the timing was God’s plan for Grace United Methodist Church and Maryland, and Rev. Anderson.
Those who do not know the history of the Voices in Spirit and its relationship with Maryland may not be surprised to know that Dr. Faye Wilson was once a member of Grace and a member of Voices in Spirit and she also was one of the directors as well as directing the Male Chorus. Ashley Beach-Reid was born and raised in Grace. She was in the tenor section with her mother, Dr. Wilson, with Voices United and the Voices in Spirit.
In addition to the twelve sopranos, 6 altos, 4tenors and 3 bass with the Voices United, other persons accom-panied our Maryland guests. Little eleven months old Aiden, In the Voices in Spirit there were 9 sopranos, 7 altos and 6 tenors.
The two directors with Voices United were Linda Mitchell and Faye Wilson.
Yovanne Pierre was the director of the Voices in Spirit. Cathy Mumford and
Minister William Hopkins (a former director of VIS) conducted several numbers.
There were twelve solos. Each group sang separately and together. The musicians were Faye Wilson (piano), Yovanne Pierre (piano and keyboard), Min. Stephen Boyd (keyboard), Bruce Alston and Vincent Gantt (bass guitar) Phil Gillespie and Robert Morris (drums).
The highly spirited Master of Ceremony was his usual spontaneous self, and he kept the program moving smoothly. The Zeal of Zion dancers from Maryland and Grace Dancers of Praise out did themselves. It was such a joy watching them perform.
Something about the two singing groups: “Voices United is a 20 plus voice community choir drawing full-time members from the United Methodist Churches – St. Luke, Mt. Zion and Friendship, Cross Pointe of the Nazarene and Oak Ridge Baptist Church.”
“Voices In Sprit” was organized by Rodney Parker as a young adult of contemporary gospel choir. Mrs. Huldah Parker became a director of the choir when Rodney left for college. Under her tutelage college, she created an ‘audition’ choir that became renowned for singing in glorious harmony to the glory of God.”
The proceeds were for the building fund.
Thanks to all who participated in this spiritual experience and to those who supported the church with your presence. A special thanks to Jackie Lane and Faye Wilson for not only the dream but for their determina-tion to make it happen!
Note: If you missed the concert, you can purchase a tape.
“God is STILL Doing Great things!!!”
Reported by Dr. Mel Hall
10
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
GEMS & EPWORTHS
T he Gems and Epworth choir, ages five to ten years old ,wanted to do their part as young Christians and contributed their time and artistic talent for the mortgage fund. The young-
sters made colorful “Loomi Bandz” jewelry and sold the items to the congregation after Sunday Service. Loomi Bandz are small colorful rubber bands craft kits. The craft is used to make brace-lets, rings and ankle bracelets. It is the newest trend for the under sixteen group.
A satisfied customer
wearing Loomi Bandz
11
GRACE NOTES February, 2014
METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (MYF) MISSION TRIP TO CAMBODIA
Imani Brown and Louis McLean were selected to represent the United Methodist Church Con-
ference Mission in Cambodia. These two young people were selected because they are active
members of GUMC, involve in various church ministries and devoted young Christians.
They will leave New York City JFK airport at 8:00am on February 14, 2014 for Cambodia. The flight
is eighteen hours to South Korea and then two more hours to
Cambodia. They will visit O’Kroach, Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh. They will be in Cambodia for 10 days helping to
spread Christian values. The United Methodist Men Ministry
donated school supplies for the trip.
Imani and Louis will return home on February 24th.
Facts On Cambodia
Capital— Phnom Penh
Located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Its total landmass is 181,035
square kilometres (69,898 sq mi), bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to
the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
Climate-Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see
temperatures drop to 22 °C (71.6 °F) and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts
from November to April when temperatures can rise up to 40 °C (104 °F) around April. Disastrous flooding
occurred in 2001 and again in 2002, with some degree of flooding almost every year.
Language—French and Cambodia dialect, Khmer.
Religion— 95% Buddhism, 2% Islam, 2% Christianity and 1% other.
