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Anniversary Edition

November 2011

Memorial Baptist ChurchMemorial Baptist Church

RREVEV. D. DRR. R. RENEEENEE F. WF. WASHINGTONASHINGTON GGARDNERARDNER, S, SENIORENIOR PPASTORASTOR 141 Bishop Preston R. Washington, Sr. Place (W. 115141 Bishop Preston R. Washington, Sr. Place (W. 115 thth St.)St.)

Harlem, NY 10026Harlem, NY 10026 Tel: (212) 663Tel: (212) 663--8830* Fax: (917) 4238830* Fax: (917) 423--04390439

EE--mail:MBCVision2000@aol.com / www.mbcvisionharlem.orgmail:MBCVision2000@aol.com / www.mbcvisionharlem.org

GratefulGratefulGrateful Thanking God Thanking God Thanking God

for for for 76 years 76 years 76 years

of anointed ministry of anointed ministry of anointed ministry through this Branch of Zion, through this Branch of Zion, through this Branch of Zion,

as we go beyond as we go beyond as we go beyond Vision 2000 Ministries.Vision 2000 Ministries.Vision 2000 Ministries.

——— Pastor ReneePastor ReneePastor Renee

Page 2 CE LEBR A TI NG OUR 76T H CHU R CH A NNI VER SAR Y

Pastor Renee’s 7th Pastoral Anniversary Thank You! God has brought us through once again.

As I look over and ponder on these last 25 years in ministry, and seven years in pastoral ministry,

all I can see is God at work with His tools called Grace and Mercy.

My forever testimony is , “When I think about the goodness of Jesus and all that He’s done for me,

my soul, my blessed soul, my sanctified soul cries out “Hallelujah! I thank God for saving me.”

This journey has brought me to the MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH for such a time as this, for

this season. Just like God was with Moses and Joshua, He has been with me. I’m so grateful for the

wonderful people of Memorial. In spite of what we go through, it’s only for a season; seasons of good times and not

so good times, but we always seem to come through.

Memorial Baptist Church is a church of Power, Purpose, Prayer, Praise and New Prosperity; a church for all people; a

place where the Gospel can be preached and taught without boundaries or being compromised for the sake of the man,

but to always bring glory to God.

I’m excited about how God is opening doors that have been closed, and closing and shutting down places where there

is no life and there is no anointing. The mandate is for us as a church to be Christ centered, not people centered. Our

goal is to preach and teach Him crucified until the day of redemption.

I am truly blessed and favored of the Lord. He has placed so many wonderful people in my life. First, let me say to the

now Mrs. Ruth O’Neal Allen, thank you for always making my pastoral anniversary celebration one that will go down

in history as being fabulous and anointed as always. From the first day, being called to the office of Senior Pastor up

to the very present, my anniversary has been second to none, always done with class and excitement. Thank you to the

wonderful anniversary committee of committed, loving, and dedicated persons; to my Chief Armor Bearer Rosalind

Williams and the entire ministry and the Pastor’s Aid Ministry for caring and loving your Pastor; to all of the officers

of the Church: the Diaconate Ministry now under the leadership of Deacon Dorothy Jackson Towns, Deacons Robert

Livingston, Sr. and Annie Alvarez, Chair Emeritus Deacons Eddie Philips and Emanuel Bowden; to my Trustees and

Finance Committee, under the leadership of Trustee Ruth O’Neal Allen; to the Mothers Ministry under the leadership

of Mothers Ardell Mills and Ella Rolle and rest of the Mothers of faith. In spite of your own pains and trials, you

continue to love me and keep me wrapped in prayer. You remain so dedicated and faithful. Thank you for holding on

to God’s unchanging hands. Thank you to my music ministry, those who have gone to another level and are awesome.

My choir is second to none with so many anointed voices — under the leadership of my Bad Boys Team of Travell,

Jerry, and Robert. To all of my ministry leaders and those who work with them, sometimes you may get weary and

tired, but you never let go. Thank you. To my Pastorium: Min. Brewer who really works closely with me and is ready

to pray in a moment, one who stands with me and for me no matter what, to Rev. B. Dundee Holt, Ministers Pamela

Smith and Earlise Vails Shelton, Dr. Mariah Britton, Min. Yvette Vanterpool, Bro. Jeffrey Smith and now added to

the team Rev. David Brown and Bro. Brandon Washington, thank you all for your team work, always working

together and for your loyal support.

To my family: my sons, grandchildren, spiritual daughters, daughters-in-law, nieces, and grand-nephew, thank you for

always supporting, trusting and believing in me. No matter what, we are one to the end. Thank you to my son Preston

R. Washington, Jr. who I am so proud of while serving in the US Army. This was my first anniversary in seven years

without him.

To my main team player, my most valuable player (MVP), my husband, the Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. I truly

thank God for His Man Servant, the one He has placed in my life when I needed true love, support, dedication and

loyalty, the someone who completes the team.

Again Memorial, “thank you” for letting me be your Pastor. I Love You All!

Pastor Renee

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 3

Bishop Hezekiah Xzavier Walker is the visionary, founder and Senior Pastor of the Love

Fellowship Tabernacle Churches in Brooklyn, New York and Bensalem, PA. Pastor Walker

shepherds a growing and multi-cultural flock of members varying in age, race and socio-

economic backgrounds. Born and raised in Brooklyn in the tumultuous Fort Greene public

housing projects, he has risen to build and lead one of the greatest ministries in the Northeast.

Love Fellowship Tabernacle was birthed in November 1993, at 2425 Pacific Street. The

cradle of the Tabernacle’s humble beginnings began with only eight members. The church,

located in the East New York section of Brooklyn, focused on the young adolescents in the

community. As a result, many young people turned from a life of drugs, crime and sin because

of his ability to preach, teach and “rightly divide” the Word of God without fear or reservation.

The need for souls to be saved was always a priority on the heart of Pastor Walker; so on Easter

Sunday 1996 Love Fellowship Tabernacle relocated to 464 Liberty Avenue. What had begun with only eight members

had quickly blossomed to over 1,000 members. The vision God gave to Pastor Walker was founded on the three “P’s:”

Prayer, Preaching and Praise. As he led the people of God into prayer and praise, he labored diligently in the preaching

of the gospel to ensure that people of all ages received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. His ability to motivate,

inspire and empower through the Word of God drew people from all walks of life to the Tuesday night prayer and Bible

study, now known as the “Prayer Capital of New York City.” Presently, Pastor Walker and the church family are await-

ing the construction of their new mega-church facility (The Kingdom Cathedral) to accommodate the overflow of souls.

Recognizing the need for God’s power to be manifested throughout the nation, Pastor Walker, in 1998, established the

Love Fellowship Tabernacle of Willingboro, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter in November of 2000, the Lord “enlarged

our territory” and the church relocated to Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Since then three (3) more churches were established,

one in Long Island, NY, Lilburn, GA and Columbia, SC. Love Fellowship Tabernacle the Kingdom Church is now one

church in five (5) locations!

\

Pastor Walker was ordained Overseer by the late Bishop Kenneth H. Moales during the 10th Annual Founders Week

Celebration. He had the pleasure of being consecrated as Bishop at the 89th Annual Church of our Lord Convocation, by

one of the living patriarchs of Pentecost, Chief Apostle William Bonner. In the Fall of 2008 Bishop Walker was

affirmed to the office of Bishop and appointed to the office of Vice Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of

Jesus Christ by Bishop Moales. In September 2010, after Bishop Moales’ sudden transition, Bishop Walker was thrust

into His next calling as the Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ. In June 2011, he was officially

Enthroned and installed as the Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ. He also serves as President

& Founder of The Covenant Keepers International Fellowship which has affiliates in North Carolina, South Carolina,

Bahamas, California, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, New York and Capetown, South Africa.

Bishop Walker remains confident in this one fact: “And Because God Is The Greatest Power, We Shall Not Be Defeated!”

About Our Preacher

Thanksgiving Fellowship 2011

Thursday, November 24, 10am-noon

Our First Gentleman, The Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. is the preacher

at our Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship being held at Memorial this year.

Join us as the East Ward and First Sharon families come together

Page 4

Early Morning Worship Worship Leader: Minister Jennifer Bridges Brewer

8:00 am November 20, 2011

CE LEBR A TI NG OUR 76T H CHU R CH A NNI VER SAR Y

THE CALL TO WORSHIP

Processional*………….......………….................................................................................……...The Pastorium

The Call to Worship & Invocation……………………………………………..……………...…Worship Leader

Scripture……………………………...………...Psalm 150……………………………….……..Worship Leader

Congregational Hymn No. 196*…........................................................................................“Glory to His Name”

THE MINISTRY OF CONSECRATION

Mission Offering………...……….……...…......................................…....The P. R. Washington Friendly Ushers

76th Anniversary Greetings………....……...............................................................…………..………Pastorium

Ministry of Dance………………………………….…………………...…....…The MBC Praise Dance Ministry

Ministry of Music……………...………......................................................................................MBC Mass Choir

Altar Call…………..………………………………….…..……………....…………………..….……..Pastorium

THE MINISTRY OF SEED PLANTING AND BELIEVING GOD

Scriptural Reading & Offertory Prayer*……....……Malachi 3: 8-12............................................The Pastorium

Tithes, General & Renovation Offering……………………...….………………….….…..... The Congregation

Doxology*…………………………….....……...…...….…...................................…….....…...The Congregation

THE MINISTRY OF PREACHING

Sermonic Selection…………....................................................................Ministry of Music, Worship and Praise

Scripture Reading and the Sermon ..............................................................................Rev. Dr. Mariah A. Britton

Responding to the Gospel Message*………....……....………........……Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

Preachers’ Offering……………………………………………..………………………..The Diaconate Ministry

Benediction……………………………………...…………...……………………………………....Pastor Renee

(*Congregation Standing)

Reverence the House of God.

Please refrain from eating, drinking, or unnecessary walking or talking

during the worship services.

Page 5

Morning Worship Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

11:00 am November 20, 2011

CE LEBR A TI NG OUR 76T H CHU R CH A NNI VER SAR Y

THE CALL TO WORSHIP

Processional*………….......…………...........................................................................…………...The Pastorium

The Call to Worship & Invocation…………………………………..…Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

Scripture……………………………………….Psalm 150……………..Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

Praise Time………………………………………………………...…………………...………..The Praise Team

THE MINISTRY OF CONSECRATION

Mission Offering………...……….……...…......................................…....The P. R. Washington Friendly Ushers

76th Church Anniversary Greetings……..…..............................................................…………..……...Pastorium

Ministry of Dance…………...….…………...…PRW Youth & RFWG Spiritual Angels Praise Dance Ministries

Ministry of Dance…………...….………………………………………….…...The MBC Praise Dance Ministry

Ministry of Music……………...…………….......................................................................................MBC Choir

Altar Call…………..…………………………………..………...….…….…………………..….……..Pastorium

THE MINISTRY OF SEED PLANTING AND BELIEVING GOD

Scriptural Reading & Offertory Prayer*………Malachi 3: 8-12....................................................The Pastorium

Tithes, General & Renovation Offering…………………….………………….….…............ The Congregation

Doxology*…………………………….....……...….…...................................…….....………..The Congregation

THE MINISTRY OF PREACHING

Introduction of the Preacher.....................................................................Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

Sermonic Selection………………………………………………………..………..……….MBC Ministry Choir

Scripture Reading and the Sermon ..................................................................................Bishop Hezekiah Walker

Responding to the Gospel Message*………....……........................................................Bishop Hezekiah Walker

Preacher’s Offering………………………………………………………….…………...The Diaconate Ministry

Remarks & Presentations………………………………………..………Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

Benediction……………………………………………...………………Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

(*Congregation Standing)

Reverence the House of God. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or unnecessary walking or talking

during the worship services.

New Disciples — those who have joined in the past seven years — are asked to meet with Deacon Jacqueline Aiken and

Minister Earlise Vails Shelton after service to prepare for New Disciples’ Day.

Pastor Renee preaches for Women’ Day this afternoon at the Blessed Trinity Baptist Church, 131 W. 129th St.,

between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell, where the Rev. Lisa D. Jenkins is Senior Pastor.

They will be serving dinner from 2pmto 3pm.

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 6

Church History

Established November 10, 1935, Memorial Baptist Church is celebrating its 74th year as a beacon of Christ in the village of Harlem and in the world community. As stated in our Constitution, Memorial's mission is to “give visible form to the mission, faith and fellowship to which God's people have been called. We acknowledge ourselves to be a local manifestation of the universal Church, in and through which Jesus Christ continues to minister to the world, through the power of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit.”

The Genesis

Memorial was organized by Abyssinian Baptist Church’s Rev. Dr. Winfred Willard Monroe, a small band of Abyssinian disciples and the un-churched of Harlem. We began our historic trek during the great Depression when some said it was ludicrous for anyone to start a church. Rev. Monroe made it clear that the decision to organize was by Divine inspiration.

In written reflections of the church’s founding entitled “The Historical Spiritual Romance of Memorial Baptist Church,” Rev. Monroe speaks of attending a Thursday night group called “The First Century Fellowship.” There he discovered the need to “be still and to have God speak to us even as we speak to God.”

God spoke to Rev. Monroe saying, “I give you the blueprint. Follow the plan. Make a list of all the families you serve at funerals and weddings, who have no active enlistment in church membership. Start your services in November. Notify each of them, and others….(with) whom you come in contact, who are not affiliated with any church. You are not to approach anyone who is a member of any church. Your congregation must come out of the harvest field where there are many.”

About Our Organizer

Rev. Monroe was known as “Harlem’s funeral preacher.” He was also one of the first Blacks to serve as Chaplain of the city’s prison board. The bulk of Memorial’s disciples were those whose lives had been touched by Rev. Monroe’s eulogistic eloquence and sensitive support for those on the margins of our communities. Memorial was organized by a people’s pastor and, therefore, from its start, was the people’s church.

In 1940, after having been domiciled above two funeral homes, the church moved to its present location. Memorialites rolled up their sleeves and liquidated the $40,000 mortgage in 1952.

A powerful preacher, and thoughtful theologian educated in Scotland, Rev. Monroe started a radio broadcast, as well as a church newsletter. Memorial became known for elegant, formal banquets and cotillions. We were also a magnet for musicians from clubs, concert halls, and the Broadway stage. But, it always remained a church for “the people.”

After 36 years of committed service, in 1971, Rev. Monroe said farewell to the church and the community which he loved so dearly.

Our Middle Passage

During the next three years after Rev. Monroe's passing, the congregation empowered the Deacon Board -- under the leadership of Deacon Eddie Phillips -- to coordinate the Church’s day-to-day activities, maintain the membership, and select a new pastor.

The Rev. Dr. George Pullman Polk was named Memorial’s second pastor in 1973. A clinical pastoral supervisor, Rev. Polk brought a healing grace and strong focus on Bible Study. He facilitated development of a mid-week Bible Study, daytime prayer meeting and renovation of the church sanctuary. Rev. Polk frequently invited a young preacher from the St. Paul Baptist Church to assist him in the teaching of seminars and to preach once a month. That young preacher was the Rever-end Preston Robert Washington.

When Rev. Polk resigned in Spring 1976, he strongly recommended that Memorial name Rev. Washington as the Third Pastor. The members confirmed Rev. Polk’s recommendation. In August 1976, Harlem native the Rev. Preston R. Washington, Sr., was elected pastor.

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 7

Church History

Our Nehemiah Brings a New Vision

Our third pastor, Rev. Preston Robert Washington brought great energy to Memorial. A building fund was established for the purchase of parsonage in New Rochelle. The church supported the fund enthusiastically. The 10-year mortgage was burned three years ahead of schedule in 1981. Continuing in a building mode, Memorial gained ownership of the two buildings adjacent to the church, at 135 West 115th Street and 100 St. Nicholas Avenue. In an educational mode, the church supported the Pastor’s pursuit in earning of his doctorate from Columbia University.

In 1982, Dr. Washington led the congregation to address the controversial issue of the ordination of women for the preaching ministry, the Diaconate and for Trustee service.

The congregation embraced the vision and codified its support for women in leadership in Memorial’s first Constitution, formerly adopted in 1983. Since that time, women have been empowered to serve as Trustees and Deacons, as heads of both ministries, and as Church Treasurers. Mother Alicia Thompson served as our first female financial secretary, and Mother Catherine Woodbury was our first female Trustee. Rev. Dr. Mariah Britton was the first woman to be ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Memorial, and in 2004, we became the first major, established Baptist Church in Harlem to name a woman pastor, Rev. Renee Frances Washington.

Expanding Ministries

In the mid-80’s, Memorial saw an opportunity to minister to the many young families in the community broken by the scourge of poverty, drug abuse, and the then-new disease known as AIDS. Dr. Washington envisioned a first-class residential facility for such families. For ten years, each Palm Sunday service ended with a congregational walk to an abandoned, burned-out building at 205 W. 115th Street. In 1995, the congregation, through Memorial Community Services, garnered the support of the NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Corporation to develop the House of Hope for single parents and their children at a cost of $1.4 million.

Memorial’s policy is, and always has been, that the church must address the needs of the homeless and particularly, battered women and their children.

We take care of the community, and of the house of God.

In December 1997, Memorial liquidated a loan of more than $500,000 for full-scale renovations of the sanctuary through the American Baptist Extension Corporation (ABEC loan). The overall renovation plan cost well over one million dollars. This included a total renovation of the sanctuary, new bathrooms, a new kitchen, stained glass windows, and much, much more. The Fellowship Hall was named the W.W. Monroe Fellowship Hall, for the Church’s organizer. The church also placed a cornerstone in the exterior of the church building in his honor.

As God had provided a blueprint for Dr. Monroe 60 years before, he gave Dr. Washington a blueprint called “Vision 2000” in the late 1990s. Based on Revelation 21:5 - “Behold, I make all things new…” Dr. Washington launched a full-scale congregational development plan enhancing major ministry areas.

In 2000, Dr. Washington was named a Bishop of the United Church Fellowship, mentoring young ministers and pastors throughout New York. Memorial continued to grow, building both a national and international reputation. People came from around the globe to worship at Memorial.

Bishop Washington moved from labor to reward on June 25, 2003, leaving a legacy of excellence and a blueprint for growth.

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 8

Church History

A New Vision

Seven years ago, on October 17, 2004, the Rev. Renee Frances Washington, was installed as Senior Pastor, building on the blueprint left behind by our late beloved Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Preston Robert Washington, Sr. She is a powerful preaching, teaching, outreach minister, and woman of many “first’s.”

She was the first woman locally to succeed her husband as a Senior Pastor; the first woman to be elected as Senior Pastor of an established Baptist Church in Harlem, and the first woman Pastor of the Memorial Baptist Church. On July 7, 2006, she married Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr., Senior Pastor of the East Ward Missionary Baptist Church, then becoming the first woman to serve, simultaneously, as Senior Pastor of one congregation and First Lady of another.

This year, Pastor Renee celebrated her seventh pastoral anniversary and 25 years in the Gospel Ministry; a quarter century of seeking to do the will of Jesus the Christ. During Rev. Renee’s tenure as Senior Pastor, she has reorganized all the ministries, instituted a finance committee, developed the MBC website, and upgraded the church’s sound system. She has also expanded our annual leadership retreat, revitalized our involvement in the United Missionary Baptist Association (where she also serves as Program Chair), increased ministry to our young people and seniors, ordained twelve new deacons and licensed two new ministers.

Under her leadership, the church launched a newsletter, The Messenger, started new mentoring programs, re-established fellowships with other churches, and became a major information center for HIV/AIDS in Harlem, winning a $13,500 grant with HCCI.

The Lord has given Pastor Renee, as she is lovingly known, a vision that “the church be strengthened.” She is committed to the work of building a strong and vibrant congregation where all disciples take seriously Jesus’ commandment that we become disciple-makers. Part of that vision was the creation of an educational facility that could serve the community and serve as a testament to Bishop Washington’s legacy. In August 2008, that vision was realized when the ribbon was cut for the Rev. Dr. Preston Robert Washington Sr. Educational Wing, which consists of a computer lab and an executive conference room.

Like our late Bishop, Pastor Renee is a builder. In addition to the Educational Wing, she has led in major renovations of our kitchen, bathrooms, and the fellowship hall. The next phase of the renovation assignments will include a new video system, new carpeting, a new awning, and painting of the entire building. Also like our late Bishop, she reaches out to those disenfranchised, those in crisis, and those needing to experience the love of God through Jesus the Christ. For her efforts, she has been lauded by various publications, by the National Action Network, and the Balm In Gilead.

As we mark our 76th year, the Lord continues to give vision to Pastor Renee, and He gives her the gifts needed to communicate and execute the vision. For 2012, the Lord has given her the theme “Embracing Your True Passion and Reclaiming Your Power!”

Memorial has experienced tremendous high’s from 1935 to the present, and has emerged victoriously through more than a few storms. Now God is preparing us to go to the next level, with a new vision for the church that goes beyond Vision 2000 Ministries. It’s an exciting time. Come, and let us believe God together!

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 9

Mark Your Calendars

Coming Up For Memorialites

Thursday, November 22 Special choir rehearsal for Thanksgiving service

Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving service at Memorial, 10am. Dr. Gardner preaches.

Wednesday, November 30 WOW Women’s Ministry Meeting

Friday, December 2 Consecration of UMBA Officers at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Saturday, December 3 Ministry Council meeting

Sunday, December 4 Dr. Gardner’s 18th Pastoral Anniversary Service, 4:00 pm.

The Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. preaches.

Saturday, December 10 Pastor’s Aide Ministry “Birthday Rally,” 2:00 pm.

Sunday, December 11 New Disciples’ Day

Sunday, December 25 Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 31 Watch Night Service

Monday-Friday, January 3-7 UMBA Revival at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Saturday, January 8 Ministry Council Meeting

Friday-Saturday, January 20, 21 Churchwide & Leaders Retreat at Marriott Westchester in Tarrytown

The retreat is open to all. All leaders must attend, including ministers, Deacons,

Trustees, all ministry officers, choir members, musicians, directors, and the like.

Registration is $375.00. See Trustee Delores Frazier for more information.

Sunday, January 22 Leaders’ Consecration

Saturday, Tuesday-Friday UMBA First Quarterly Session @ First Corinthian Baptist Church

January 21, 24-27

Meeting Today to Prepare for New Disciples Day

Sunday, December 11 will be a special day of worship and

praise to God, set aside to celebrate those disciples who have

joined Memorial, and engage them in the worship service.

If you have joined Memorial under Rev. Renee’s pastorate,

please meet with Deacon Jacqueline Aiken and Minister Earlise

Vails Shelton following the 11am service today.

Deacon Aiken, New Disciples Coordinator and Assistant

Director of Christian Education, says, “ As you continue to

grow in your new life in Christ, you will begin to use your gifts

to serve God in a ministry, if you haven’t already done so. God

has been good to us, so ask yourself, "what shall I render to the

Lord for all His benefits towards me? (Psalm 116:12) We hope

that you will discover your gifts by hearing the Word and

attending Bible study, church school, and sharing in the New

Disciples Fellowship.

One of the highlights on December 11 will be a New Disciples'

Choir. If you want to participate, attend the meeting to learn

more. You can also put your name and contact information on

the sign-up sheet in the narthex. We are looking forward to a

glorious day in the Lord along with your family, and friends.

Page 10 CE LEBR A TI NG OUR 76T H CHU R CH A NNI VER SAR Y

After retiring from a 40 year career in the field of

addiction and recovery, Sis. Dale Wallace Thompson

thought it was time to relax a bit, travel and take it easy,

but the Lord said, “Not so.” He gave her a new challenge.

She is now pursuing her passion for helping people to find

their own “pathways to recovery” through the New York

Recovery Community Coalition, a consortium of groups in

all five NYC boroughs providing personal, confidential and

effective services for those struggling with addiction,

HIV/AIDS, mental and physical disabilities, domestic

violence and gun violence.

She brought together a panel of speakers on Saturday,

November 12 to share their stories and testimonies of how

they overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. The panel

included Rev. Stephanie Ward, 2nd Canaan Baptist Church,

who lost three family members to gun and domestic

violence; Sis. Denise Reed, Abyssinian Baptist Church,

who spoke of her struggles with mental illness; Sis. Doris

Randolph of Narcotic & Drug Research, Inc. spoke about

discovering God’s purpose in her life after 24 years of drug

addiction, and Sis. Rusty Miller Hill, Cicatelli Associates,

spoke about discovering her purpose after discovering she

had HIV/AIDS.

But perhaps the most poignant testimony was from Sis.

Doreen Lesane who identifies as being “in recovery from

domestic violence.” She said that as an alcoholic or drug

addict is one drink or one drug away from relapsing, she

realizes that she is always “a man away from being

battered.”

Sis. Lesane spoke about suffering abuse at the hands of her

mother, partners and even her children before she got the

help she needed and emerged victoriously.

Pastor Renee was so moved by the testimonies that she

invited the panelists to share

with Memorial the following

day. She said, “If I can’t get

the people to come and hear

the message, I have to bring

the message to the people.”

Sis. Lesane was able to

accept the invitation. She

shared her moving testimony

with the entire congregation.

Noted journalist Dominic

Carter, who survived being

abused by a mentally ill mother, was also our guest.

Moving from Trauma to Triumph HAIL TO THE RFWG ALL STARS!

Kudos to the RWFG All Stars basketball team and to

coach Travell “Keys” Allen for a game well-played against

East Ward’s SPG All Stars last month. Brother Marchello

Mitchell was named “MVP.” We look forward to the

rematch. Collage by Brother Robert Livingston, III.

Sis. Dale Wallace Thompson,

Pastor Renee, TV reporter

Dominic Carter, and

Sis. Doreen Lesane.

Where else can you find an assemblage of

anointed pastors, preachers and teachers like

BISHOP JASPER ROLLE

REV. DR. SEAN P. GARDNER, SR.

REV. DR. JOHNNIE M. GREEN, JR.

REV. SANDRA LOWE

REV. DR. J.G. MCCANN, JR.

REV. DR. LESTER TAYLOR except at

MEMORIAL’S CHURCHWIDE

& LEADERSHIP RETREAT

JANUARY 20-22, 2012

Register today.

A NNIV ERS AR Y E DIT ION Page 11

“Getting to Zero” is the theme selected by the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) to commemorate

this year’s World AIDS Day. The theme will be used through 2015 reflects the goals of

organizations, health activists, those living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS and people of faith

throughout the world to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination against those

with HIV/AIDS and zero AIDS-related deaths.

If you want information about HIV/AIDS or need services, see Minister Pamela Smith, our

Minister of Health and Wholeness. Memorial also partners with a number of agencies and

organizations including the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (www.nblca.org;

locally at 212-614-0023), GMAD (www.gmad.org, 718-222-6300), GMHC (www.gmhc.org;

800-243-7692), or Harlem United (www.harlemunited.org, 212-803-2850).

Steele and Riddick Honored at 10th Annual Youth Explosion In 2001, our late Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Preston R. Washington, Sr. and Pastor Renee challenged then Youth Minister,

Rev. Willis Steele to establish a viable youth fellowship night of praise and worship. Rev. Steele recalls, “The

fellowship was to be led by the young people of the church, with the ministering efforts focused on the young people of

the church as well as youth from neighboring Churches and the broader community.”

Ten years later, the Youth Explosion has grown into one of the largest annual events at Memorial, with young people

from across the city filling the sanctuary each Friday before Thanksgiving. On the 10th anniversary, the Ministry of

Children, Youth and Young Adults, now under Rev. David L. Brown, and our youth praise dance ministries, honored

Rev. Steele, now co-Pastor of the Grace Baptist Church’s Faith Mission in Yonkers, and Sis. Sarina Riddick, who has

helped provide leadership for the Youth Explosion since its inception.

Sister Najay Jackson presented a plaque to Sis. Riddick from the PRW Praise Dance Ministry and the RFWG Spiritual

Angels Praise Dance Ministry that read, “Thank you for 10 years of dedicated service to the Youth Dance Ministry of

Memorial Baptist Church.” Sis. Riddick’s job has called her to relocate to Washington, DC, but she continues to

commute to help with the dance and ushers ministries.

Guests at the tenth year celebration included radio host Iesha Sekou, retired basketball legends Cal Ramsey and Walt

Frazier, Gospel Rappers the Rich Boys, the Second Baptist Church Youth Choir (Baldwin, LI), the Bridges of Praise

from Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Bronx), Youth on Fire, and Sis. Victoria Brunel. Our own Master William Humes,

Sis. Robyn Ware, the PRW Youth and the RFWG Spiritual Angels Praise Dance ministries were also on the program.

PRAYERS OF HEALING

Bro. Pierre & Sis. Solange Amazan, Sis. Emmanuella Amazan’s parents

Diaconate Chair Emeritus Emanuel Bowden

Mother Rosetta Ling

Walking Deacon Allen Mills / Mother Ardell Mills

Mr. Albert Nicholson & Mr. Clarence Towns, Min. Jennifer Brewer’s uncles

Mr. Samuel Rolle, Mother Ella Rolle’s son

Ms. Dee Vanterpool, Min. Yvette Vanterpool’s aunt

We continue to pray for Brother P.J. Washington and all those serving in the military.

And in this Veteran’s Day month, we honor those who have served or are currently serving including

Brother Anthony Franklin, Sgt. Rachel Hernandez, Walking Deacon Robert Newland,

Brother Angelo Trinidad, Deacon Edward Washington

Remember our sick and shut-in with a prayer, card or visit.

Show them that you care.

Mrs. Edna Allen Mr. George Britton

Sis. Elizabeth Crenshaw Sis. Eugenie Hinds

Sis. Dorothy Hogan Mother Alberta Hunter

Mother Sara Irby Sis. Katie McCummings

Bro. George & Sis. Agnes Pressley Dea. Mother Annie Simmons

Mother Alicia Thompson Mother Evelyn Williams

Mother Catherine Woodbury Sis. Barbara M. Wright

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. — Proverbs 8:17

..I will restore health to thee, and I will heal thy wounds, saith the Lord. — Jeremiah 30:17a

Birthday Blessings to Mother Ella Rolle

who celebrates her 93rd birthday on November 22